Chennai: Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, has been appointed as the director general of police (DGP) and head of police force (HoPF) of Tamil Nadu. Aggarwal, who previously served as special director general (human rights) in the Border Security Force (BSF), succeeds DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore, a 1992-batch IPS officer.
Central Deputation and Additional Charge
At the time of his appointment, Aggarwal was serving on central deputation with the BSF and also held the additional charge as special director general of the BSF Eastern Command in Kolkata. His central deputation with the ministry of home affairs included overseeing operations along the country's eastern border as part of the BSF's Eastern Frontier.
Fixed Tenure as Per Supreme Court Guidelines
Under the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case, Aggarwal will hold the post of DGP and head of police force for a fixed tenure of two years from the date of assuming office. This ensures stability and independence in the police leadership.
Extensive Experience in Tamil Nadu Police
Before his deputation to the Centre, Aggarwal served in multiple senior positions in Tamil Nadu. He was the Chennai city police commissioner and handled key law-and-order responsibilities in the state capital. He also served as additional director general of police and director general of the armed police, besides holding the post of special director general of the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID).
Contribution to Police Reforms
Aggarwal was part of the team that prepared and submitted the final report of the Fifth Police Commission to the Tamil Nadu government, focusing on reforms and improvements in police administration. His efforts have been recognized with the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Medal.
Recent Empanelment as Director General
A senior officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, Aggarwal was recently empanelled to the rank of director general by the Government of India, reflecting his distinguished service and leadership in policing.
