New Delhi: Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the next chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on Thursday. He will succeed Tapan Deka whose extension ends in June. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet chaired by PM Modi cleared his appointment for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of charge of the post.A seasoned officer with an established track record in handling national security and counter-terrorism issues, Dixit is known for his decision-making abilities within the agency. A Telangana cadre officer, he has spent most of his career in the IB and was serving as its special director. As J&K State Intelligence Bureau chief, he played a key role during the postArticle 370 period, sources said. He also played a critical role during Operation Sindoor, during which crucial intelligence led to the destruction of terror camps in PoK and Pakistan.Sources said Dixit had been handling key responsibilities within IB for two years.