New Tamil Nadu DGP’s hit list: women safety, drugs and public order

Chennai: After a gap of nearly two years, Tamil Nadu has got a regular director-general of police and head of police force as Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal assumed charge on Wednesday. Earlier, he was formally repatriated from central deputation with the BSF through a formal notification by Union govt.

Immediately after taking charge, Aggarwal said state police would focus on ensuring the safety of women and children, strengthening action against narcotics offences, and maintaining law and order across the state. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with police in maintaining peace and public order.

Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, was serving as special director general of Border Security Force (BSF) on central deputation. His return to the state followed the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, which cleared a proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for his repatriation to the Tamil Nadu cadre with immediate effect.

Aggarwal has held a range of assignments in both state policing and central paramilitary administration during his career. His appointment places him at the helm of the Tamil Nadu Police at a time when the department is focusing on crime prevention, anti-drug enforcement, and public safety.

Meanwhile, the incumbent DGP, Sandeep Rai Rathore, was posted as director-general of prisons and correctional services. He succeeded additional director-general of police K Shankar, who has been moved to the Enforcement Bureau-CID as its ADGP.

The transfer orders took immediate effect, and the officers concerned were directed to assume charge of their new assignments.