New Delhi: K Vijay Kumar, the retired Indian Police Service (IPS: 1975) officer known for his pivotal role in the operation that ended the reign of forest brigand Veerappan, has been conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. The 74-year-old veteran officer is among the 113 recipients of this year’s awards, which recognize individuals who have rendered distinguished service in various fields.
Early Life and Education
K Vijay Kumar was born on 15 September 1952 in Tamil Nadu, where he grew up alongside six siblings. He pursued an extensive academic career alongside his policing career, earning:
- Bachelor of Law (BL) and Master of Law (ML) from the University of Madras
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- Master’s in Business Law from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore (2010)
His educational background complemented his expertise in legal and administrative aspects of policing and internal security.
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Distinguished Police Career
Kumar joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) on 10 November 1975, Tamil Nadu cadre, and served for 37 years, holding numerous key positions:
- Assistant Superintendent in Pattukkottai, Trichy, and Sembiam
- Superintendent of Police in Dharmapuri (1982–1983) and Salem (1983–1985), assisting Walter Devaram
- Special Protection Group (SPG) officer with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (1985–1990)
- SP of Dindigul (1990) and Vellore districts (1991)
Co-founded the Special Security Group (SSG) in 1991 to provide security to then-Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa
Leadership in Crisis and Counter-insurgency
- Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Tamil Nadu (1997) – managed caste clashes in southern districts
- Inspector General, BSF Srinagar (1998–2000) – served during the peak of militancy in Jammu & Kashmir
- IG (Operations), BSF – before leading operations against Veerappan
Operation Cocoon and the Capture of Veerappan
Kumar gained nationwide recognition as the head of the Tamil Nadu Police Special Task Force (STF) that conducted Operation Cocoon in 2004, leading to the killing of the notorious forest brigand Veerappan.
He meticulously planned the operation and later authored a book, “Veerappan: Chasing the Brigand”, detailing the rise and fall of Veerappan, and offering an insider account of the operation.
Role in CRPF and Counter-Naxal Operations
Served as Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad (2008)
Appointed Director General (DG) of CRPF (2010–2012) following the deadliest Naxal ambush in Tadmetla, Chhattisgarh, which killed 75 CRPF personnel and one state police jawan in April 2010
Oversaw operations against Maoist leaders, including the killing of Kishenji in West Bengal in November 2011
Kumar’s expertise in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency has made him a key architect of strategic policing operations in both Naxal-affected areas and anti-brigand operations.
Post-Retirement Service
After retiring from active service in 2012, Kumar continued contributing to India’s internal security:
- Senior Security Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Advisor to the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, overseeing portfolios including Home, Forest, Health, Youth Services, Civil Aviation, and more
Re-appointed Senior Security Adviser, MHA (December 2019)
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his distinguished career, Kumar has received several accolades:
- President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (2005) – for Veerappan operation
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (1999)
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (1993)
- Jammu & Kashmir Medal
- Counter Insurgency Medal
Padma Shri (2026) – recognizing his lifetime contribution to policing, counter-insurgency, and national security
Personal Reflections
Responding to his Padma Shri award, Kumar credited his teams:
“This is a tribute to all my teams with whom I have worked,” he told PTI.
Now based in Bengaluru and Chennai, the veteran officer continues to advise on internal security and counter-insurgency strategies, mentoring the next generation of Indian police officers.
