Chennai: In a significant administrative directive aimed at reinforcing institutional discipline, Sandeep Rai Rathore, a 1992-batch IPS officer and Director General of Police and Head of Police Force in Tamil Nadu, has instructed district Superintendents of Police and officers heading special units not to act on directions issued by officers who are not part of their formal chain of command.
The instruction has been communicated through an internal note circulated to senior police officers across the state amid concerns that district-level officers were receiving unofficial operational directions from individuals outside the designated hierarchy.
DGP Flags Unofficial Instructions to District SPs
According to police sources, the DGP noted that several district SPs and officers posted in special units had recently been receiving work-related instructions from officers who did not directly supervise them.
In his note, Sandeep Rai Rathore made it clear that such deviations from official reporting structures should not be entertained.
He also directed supervisory officers to immediately report any such instances of command transgression directly to him.
Read also: Who Is IPS Sandeep Rai Rathore? ECI Appoints Him As New Tamil Nadu DGP Ahead of Assembly Elections
Officers Told to Report Important Developments Directly
The DGP further instructed officers leading:
- Special Units
- Law and Order formations
to immediately communicate any important development in their jurisdiction to both:
- the DGP
- their immediate superior officer
He emphasized that timely reporting remains essential, particularly during sensitive administrative periods.
Where immediate communication is difficult because of time constraints or connectivity issues, officers were allowed to send quick updates through messaging platforms.
Directive Comes Amid Election Preparedness
The instruction coincided with a statewide video conference chaired by the DGP with:
- Zonal Inspector Generals of Police
- Commissioners of Police
- District SPs
During the meeting, he reviewed election preparedness and directed officers to ensure full compliance with the Model Code of Conduct to guarantee free and fair polling.
Focus on Security Ahead of Polling and Counting
Police sources said elaborate security arrangements have been ordered in view of:
- polling scheduled for April 23
- counting scheduled for May 4
The DGP reportedly stressed the need for heightened vigilance, especially because of frequent VIP movement across the state during the election period.
Sensitive Areas and Borders Under Special Watch
The police force has been asked to intensify surveillance in:
- areas with a history of election violence
- inter-state border zones
The objective is to prevent illegal movement of:
- suspicious persons
- liquor
- cash
Security agencies have also been directed to maintain close coordination in vulnerable districts.
Administrative Message Seen as Push for Discipline
Senior police officials view the directive as a strong reminder that the police command system must function through clearly defined authority channels.
The move is expected to strengthen accountability and reduce administrative ambiguity within field policing.
