Chennai: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made a significant change in Tamil Nadu’s police leadership, transferring four IPS officer and appointing Sandeep Rai Rathore (1992-batch), as the new Director General of Police (DGP) and Head of Police Force (HoPF). This appointment comes ahead of the state Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, 2026, reflecting the ECI’s emphasis on strengthening law enforcement leadership during the electoral process.
Rathore replaces G Venkataraman, who was serving as the in-charge DGP and HoPF since September 2025 following the superannuation of Shankar Jiwal. The ECI clarified that the officer transferred out, Venkataraman, will not be posted to any election-related duties until the conclusion of the polls.
Key Police Leadership Transfers in Tamil Nadu
Alongside Rathore’s appointment, the ECI announced several strategic transfers and postings of senior IPS officers to strengthen police management across the state.
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- Sanjay Kumar, previously ADGP, Coastal Security Group, has been appointed Commissioner of Police, Tambaram.
- Abhishek Dixit, earlier IGP Traffic and Road Safety, Chennai, is now Commissioner of Police, Madurai.
- R.V. Ramya Bharati, formerly IGP Crime, Chennai, has been posted as IGP West Zone, Coimbatore.
These transfers aim to ensure experienced leadership at key urban and regional policing zones, with a focus on election security, traffic management, and crime oversight.
About Sandeep Rai Rathore
- Batch and Cadre: 1992-batch IPS officer
- Previous Posting: DGP Training, Chennai
- Experience: Rathore has extensive experience in law enforcement, including training, operational leadership, and administrative responsibilities at various levels in the state police.
- Role Ahead of Polls: As the DGP and HoPF, Rathore will oversee the overall police preparedness and security arrangements during the critical election period.
Background and Context
The ECI exercises authority over police postings and transfers during elections to maintain neutrality and efficiency in the law enforcement machinery. With the upcoming Assembly polls, senior police appointments are crucial for:
- Ensuring free and fair elections
- Maintaining law and order across urban and rural constituencies
- Overseeing critical areas like coastal security, traffic management, and crime prevention
The appointments also reflect the Commission’s focus on experienced IPS officers for high-stakes administrative positions ahead of the polls.
Significance of the Reshuffle
- Rathore’s appointment marks a key leadership change at the top of Tamil Nadu Police, enhancing strategic coordination for the election period.
- Sanjay Kumar and Abhishek Dixit’s postings to major urban areas like Tambaram and Madurai indicate a realignment of policing priorities in high-population districts.
- The reshuffle ensures that specialized policing functions, such as coastal security, traffic safety, and crime monitoring, are led by officers with demonstrated expertise.
Crucial Leadership Reshuffle
With less than three weeks left before the Assembly elections, Tamil Nadu’s police force undergoes a crucial leadership reshuffle, positioning experienced officers like Sandeep Rai Rathore at the helm. These changes are expected to enhance police efficiency, election security, and public confidence in law enforcement during a sensitive electoral period.
