Chennai: The newly appointed police commissioner of Chennai, A Amalraj, stated on Thursday that swift action to prevent and respond to crimes against women and children in the city will be his top priority. The 1996-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who assumed office on Friday, also emphasized that controlling rowdyism will be key to maintaining peace in the city.
Ceremonial Welcome and Initial Duties
After receiving a ceremonial welcome and officially taking charge, Amalraj proceeded to Lok Bhavan in Guindy to review security arrangements for the swearing-in ceremony of legislators Shahjahan of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Vanni Arasu of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) as ministers in the cabinet of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Subsequently, the commissioner held a review meeting with subordinate officers and inspected arrangements at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, where the Singappen Special Task Force is scheduled to be inaugurated. Officials noted that this event would be among the first major programs conducted after Vijay assumed office.
Career Background
A native of Kanyakumari district, Amalraj earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Physics and represented his college in hockey tournaments. He began his career as an assistant superintendent of police in Tiruppur after joining the Indian Police Service in 1996. Over the years, he served as deputy commissioner of police in Madurai and superintendent of police in Dharmapuri, Theni, Kancheepuram, and Villupuram districts. He later held the posts of deputy inspector-general of police in Ramanathapuram, Trichy, and Salem ranges. Following his promotion to inspector-general of police, Amalraj served as commissioner of police in Salem, Coimbatore, and Trichy cities. He also worked as additional commissioner of police at the Chennai police headquarters before being promoted to additional director-general of police. He later served two terms as Tambaram city commissioner of police.
Key Achievements
During his tenure in Coimbatore, Salem, Trichy, and Tambaram commissionerates, Amalraj expanded surveillance camera networks to strengthen crime monitoring. While serving in Coimbatore, he established a police museum. He later assisted in setting up the police museum at Egmore during his tenure as additional commissioner in Chennai.
Awards and Publications
Amalraj received the President's Police Medal for distinguished service and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Medal for meritorious service. He is also an author of five books: "Management Traits That Bring Success to Police Officers", "If You Want to Win, You Can Win", "Spread Your Wings", "Learn to Fight", and "Success Secrets of the Wise".
