Chennai: In a significant move amid the ongoing Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has ordered the transfer of K A Senthil Velan, Inspector General of Police (Intelligence), and appointed Avinash Kumar as his successor. The decision forms part of a broader administrative reshuffle aimed at ensuring neutrality during the electoral process.
ECI Orders Transfer, Bars Election Duties
The poll panel directed that K A Senthil Velan (IPS: 2003: Tamil Nadu) be relieved from his role as IG (Intelligence)and instructed the Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar not to assign him any election-related responsibilities.
The Commission also sought a compliance report by 5 PM Sunday confirming that the newly appointed officer had taken charge.
Read also: Tamil Nadu DGP Selection Stalls Again; UPSC Meet on April 23 May Be Rescheduled After Elections
Avinash Kumar Assumes Charge
Following the directive, Home Secretary K Manivasan issued formal orders appointing Avinash Kumar as the new Inspector General of Police (Intelligence). He has since assumed charge.
Avinash Kumar brings prior experience from his central deputation with the Intelligence Bureau, strengthening his profile for the sensitive intelligence role.
Part of Wider Election-Time Reshuffle
The move comes amid a series of transfers initiated by the Election Commission of India since the announcement of the Assembly election schedule on March 15, 2026.
Several senior officials have been reshuffled, including:
- N Muruganandam
- G Venkataraman
- Dheeraj Kumar
- S Davidson Devasirvatham
- A Arun
- K Elambahavath
- R Brinda Devi
- A Amalraj
- J Loganathan
Earlier, the ECI had also appointed Sandeep Mittal as Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, though the order was later revoked following objections raised by DMK leader T R Baalu.
DGP Appointment Process Also Delayed
Meanwhile, the process to appoint a regular Director General of Police (DGP)/Head of Police Force (HoPF) for Tamil Nadu continues to face delays.
The empanelment committee meeting convened by the Union Public Service Commission for April 23, 2026, is likely to be deferred again as it coincides with polling day.
Following earlier delays, the Election Commission had appointed Sandeep Rai Rathore as interim DGP/HoPF.
Profile: Avinash Kumar
Service Background
Avinash Kumar is a 2004-batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre (57th Regular Recruit batch). He is ranked 28th in inter-se seniority for his batch and trained at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
Career Highlights
- Current Role: Appointed IG (Intelligence) in April 2026
- Central Deputation: Served as Deputy Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Promotion: Received proforma promotion to IG rank in January 2022 while on central deputation
Key Experience
Avinash Kumar has held several important roles across state and central assignments. His experience in the Intelligence Bureau has provided him with deep exposure to internal security and intelligence operations, making his appointment significant during the election period.
Conclusion
The transfer of K A Senthil Velan and the appointment of A Avinash Kumar underline the Election Commission’s continued efforts to ensure administrative neutrality during elections. With more reshuffles and pending key appointments like the DGP post, Tamil Nadu’s bureaucratic landscape remains in flux amid the ongoing electoral process.
