Chennai: Senior IPS officer Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal has assumed charge as the new Director General of Police (DGP) and Head of the Police Force (HoPF) of Tamil Nadu, bringing an end to a prolonged period during which the state functioned without a full-time police chief. The appointment comes as part of a major reshuffle in the state’s top police leadership, with incumbent DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore being transferred to the Prisons and Correctional Services Department.
Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, took charge on Wednesday after the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his repatriation from the Border Security Force (BSF) to his parent cadre with immediate effect.
The appointment is significant as Tamil Nadu had been without a regular full-time DGP for more than nine months following the retirement of former DGP Shankar Jiwal in August 2025.
Major Reshuffle in Tamil Nadu Police
According to an official order issued by the Tamil Nadu government, outgoing DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore has been transferred and posted as Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services).
Simultaneously, K. Shankar, who was serving as Additional Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services), has been transferred and appointed as DGP, Enforcement Bureau CID, Chennai, against an existing vacancy.
The reshuffle paved the way for Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal’s appointment as the state’s top police officer.
Who is IPS Officer Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal?
Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal is a 1994-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre with extensive experience in both state policing and central deputation.
Before returning to Tamil Nadu, Aggarwal was serving as Special Director General in the Border Security Force (BSF). He was also holding additional charge of the BSF’s Eastern Command headquartered in Kolkata, one of the force’s most important operational commands.
Over his distinguished career, Aggarwal has held several key positions in Tamil Nadu Police, including:
- Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police
- Commissioner of Police, Madurai
- Director General of Armed Police
- Special Director General, CB-CID
- Various senior operational and administrative assignments in the state police force
His experience in law enforcement, intelligence gathering, investigation, and administration is expected to strengthen policing and internal security management in Tamil Nadu.
ACC Approved Repatriation from BSF
The appointment followed a decision by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which on Tuesday approved Aggarwal’s repatriation from the BSF to his parent cadre.
The order was issued following a proposal from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, enabling Aggarwal to return to Tamil Nadu and assume the state’s highest policing position.
Tamil Nadu Had No Full-Time DGP for Nine Months
The state had been functioning without a permanent DGP since the retirement of Shankar Jiwal in August 2025.
Following his retirement, G. Venkataraman was given charge of the post on an interim basis. However, the arrangement reportedly led to concerns among several senior officers who were higher in the seniority hierarchy.
Later, during the run-up to the recently concluded Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India appointed Sandeep Rai Rathore as DGP to oversee law and order during the electoral process.
Rathore continued to head the police force even after the election process ended and the new government assumed office.
UPSC Panel Cleared Three Senior IPS Officers
The appointment of Aggarwal came after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cleared a panel of three senior IPS officers for the post of DGP and Head of Police Force.
The panel reportedly included:
- Rajeev Kumar
- Sandeep Rai Rathore
- Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal
After considering the panel, the Tamil Nadu government selected Aggarwal for the coveted post.
Aggarwal Outlines Priorities After Taking Charge
Soon after assuming office at the Tamil Nadu Police Headquarters, Aggarwal addressed the media and outlined his key priorities.
Thanking Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for reposing confidence in him, the new DGP said the police force would focus on strengthening law and order across the state.
“We will ensure law and order, drug control and take severe action on crimes against women and cyber crimes,” Aggarwal said.
He also appealed to citizens to cooperate with the police in maintaining peace, public order and communal harmony.
Focus on Drug Control, Women’s Safety and Cyber Crime
The new DGP identified three major areas requiring immediate attention:
Drug Trafficking Control
Aggarwal indicated that the police would intensify efforts against narcotics networks and drug trafficking operations across Tamil Nadu.
Crimes Against Women
He emphasized strict enforcement measures to curb crimes against women and ensure faster investigation and prosecution of offenders.
Cyber Crime Prevention
With cyber-related offences increasing across the country, Aggarwal said the state police would strengthen cyber policing capabilities and enhance technological interventions to tackle digital crimes.
Fixed Two-Year Tenure
As per the Supreme Court’s guidelines regarding the appointment of state police chiefs, Aggarwal is expected to enjoy a minimum fixed tenure of two years from the date of assuming office.
The provision is aimed at ensuring stability and operational independence in police leadership.
A Crucial Assignment
Aggarwal takes charge at a critical time when Tamil Nadu faces evolving law-and-order challenges, cyber security threats, narcotics-related concerns and growing expectations for modern policing.
His experience in both central armed police forces and state police administration is expected to help strengthen coordination between state and central agencies while enhancing policing standards across Tamil Nadu.
With the appointment of a full-time DGP after a gap of more than nine months, the state government has signalled its intent to bring stability and continuity to the leadership of the Tamil Nadu Police.
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