Election Commission Initiates Major Police Reshuffle in Tamil Nadu
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken decisive action to ensure the integrity of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. On Thursday, the commission issued orders for a significant reshuffle of top police officials across the state, aiming to maintain law and order during the critical electoral period.
Key Appointments and Transfers
In a major move, the ECI has transferred Tamil Nadu's Director General of Police (Law and Order), G Venkataraman. To fill this crucial role, the commission has appointed Sandeep Rai Rathore, a distinguished 1992-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the new Director General of Police (Elections). Rathore will be responsible for overseeing all election-related policing activities throughout the state, ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process.
Additionally, the Election Commission has implemented changes in several key police postings across Tamil Nadu. Tambaram City Police Commissioner A Amalraj has been replaced by Sanjay Kumar, an experienced 1997-batch IPS officer. In another significant appointment, Abhishek Dixit, a 2006-batch IPS officer, has been named as the new Madurai City Police Commissioner.
Furthermore, R V Ramya Bharathi, a 2008-batch IPS officer, has been posted as the Inspector General of Police for the West Zone, based in Coimbatore. These strategic appointments are designed to strengthen the police administration in vital regions of the state during the election period.
Duration and Implementation of Orders
All appointed officers will assume their new roles and remain in charge until the Election Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is officially lifted in Tamil Nadu. The orders were formally issued by Election Commission Secretary Lata Tripathi, who directed the officers to assume their respective charges and report for duty by 11 AM on Friday.
This comprehensive reshuffle underscores the Election Commission's commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. By placing experienced IPS officers in critical positions, the ECI aims to prevent any potential disruptions and uphold the democratic process in Tamil Nadu.
