NEW DELHI: In a key reshuffle, the Centre has promoted 1994-batch IPS officers Manoj Shashidhar and Sampat Meena to the rank of Special Director in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Both officers were serving as Additional Directors with important portfolios.
Sampat Meena becomes only the second woman to hold the position of Special Director in the agency, after Archana Sundaram (1980 batch), whose appointment was notable due to support from then CBI chief Ranjit Sinha amid internal competition.
Gujarat cadre officer Manoj Shashidhar joined the CBI in January 2020 as Joint Director. Known for his impeccable record and firm approach, he has led several high-profile probes, including the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that investigated the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Originally from Kerala, Shashidhar has also served as Vadodara Police Commissioner, Inspector General of Police in Gandhinagar Range, and Additional Director General of Police in the intelligence wing. In his new role, he is tasked with overseeing critical investigations and enhancing the agency’s operational efficiency.
Sampat Meena, from a family of civil servants, is respected for her integrity and professionalism. She has handled sensitive cases in the CBI such as the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case in Kolkata, and the high-profile Hathras and Unnao cases. She received acclaim for her investigation of the 2017 Gudia rape case in Himachal Pradesh. During her tenure at the Bureau of Police Research and Development, Meena was recognized for efforts against child trafficking through initiatives like Operation Muskaan. She has also served in Naxal-affected regions and was the first woman Senior Superintendent of Police in Ranchi.
