Hyderabad: Former Director General of Police of undivided Andhra Pradesh, H J Dora, passed away on Friday while undergoing treatment at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad. He was 83.
A senior IPS officer of the 1965 batch, Dora was widely regarded as one of the most influential police leaders in the history of united Andhra Pradesh and played a major role in intelligence-led anti-naxal policing during a critical phase of internal security challenges.
Passed Away While Undergoing Treatment
According to hospital sources, Dora had been suffering from kidney-related ailments for some time and was undergoing regular dialysis.
His health reportedly deteriorated sharply on Friday morning, and despite treatment in the Acute Respiratory Care Unit, doctors could not save him.
Served as Andhra Pradesh DGP for Six Years
H.J. Dora served as Director General of Police of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 1996 to 2002.
His tenure is remembered for long-term structural policing decisions and strategic anti-insurgency operations.
Known for Intelligence-Led Anti-Naxal Operations
One of the defining features of his tenure was the strengthening of intelligence-based anti-naxal operations.
During a period when Left-Wing Extremism posed a major security challenge in united Andhra Pradesh, Dora helped institutionalise intelligence-led responses.
This period saw expanded coordination between field policing and intelligence networks.
Also Served as Intelligence Chief
Before becoming DGP, Dora also held the critical post of intelligence chief in the state.
His administrative influence extended across both operational policing and intelligence strategy.
Held Important National-Level Assignments
Beyond state policing, Dora also served in major national institutions, including:
• Director General of Central Industrial Security Force
• Vigilance Commissioner at Central Vigilance Commission
These assignments reflected his stature in national law enforcement administration.
Born in Srikakulam, Served Nearly Four Decades
Born in 1943 in Srikakulam district, Dora served the police force for nearly 40 years.
He earned a reputation for:
• discipline
• administrative firmness
• internal reforms
• professional policing standards
Introduced ‘Friendly Policing’ Concept
One of the reforms most often associated with Dora was the promotion of friendly policing, aimed at improving police-public relations.
This concept later became an important reference point in policing reforms in the region.
A Respected Author and Intellectual
Apart from policing, Dora was also known for writing and public reflection.
His published works include:
• Journey Through Turbulent Times
• NTR Tho Nenu
These works documented both policing experiences and political-administrative observations.
CM Revanth Reddy Expresses Condolences
A Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over Dora’s passing and conveyed condolences to the family.
The Chief Minister noted Dora’s important contribution in introducing reforms in the police department and remembered his role as both intelligence chief and DGP.
A Legacy in Andhra-Telangana Policing
H.J. Dora remains remembered as a major policing figure whose career influenced:
Intelligence systems Anti-insurgency strategy Police reform Public-facing policing models
Read also: UPSC Shortlists 3 IPS Officers for Telangana DGP Post; CV Anand Emerges Front-Runner
