Thiruvananthapuram: The Government of Kerala has appointed Ravada A Chandrasekhar (IPS:1991:KL) as the new Director General of Police (DGP)-cum-State Police Chief, succeeding Dr. Shaik Darvesh Saheb (IPS:1990:KL), who retires today after a distinguished career in the Indian Police Service.
An official order issued on Monday confirmed the appointment, bringing to fruition what was previously reported by media and reaffirmed on June 28.
Read Also: Kerala DGP Race Narrows to Three: IPS RA Chandrasekhar Emerges Frontrunner as UPSC Finalizes Panel
Currently Serving as Special Director, Intelligence Bureau
R A Chandrasekhar is currently on central deputation, serving as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau. Following his repatriation to the Kerala cadre, he will formally assume the role of State Police Chief.
Although he has residual service till July 31, 2025, his appointment comes with a fixed two-year tenure, which will keep him in office till June 30, 2027, ensuring continuity in leadership and stability in the state’s police administration.
H Venkatesh Given Interim Charge
Pending Chandrasekhar’s formal assumption of charge, the state government has designated H Venkatesh (IPS:1998:KL) to hold additional charge as State DGP. Venkatesh, a senior officer in his own right, is expected to ensure a smooth transition and maintain operational continuity within the state police force.
UPSC Panel Recommended Chandrasekhar
On June 26, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) submitted a panel of three IPS officers to the Kerala government for consideration. The panel included:
- R A Chandrasekhar (IPS:1991:KL) – Special Director, Intelligence Bureau
- Nitin Agarwal (IPS:1989:KL) – Road Safety Commissioner
- Yogesh Gupta (IPS:1993:KL) – Director General, Fire and Rescue Services
Chandrasekhar, the second senior-most officer in the Kerala cadre, emerged as the consensus choice, supported by his extensive central and state-level experience.
Read Also: IPS Shaik Darvesh Saheb Is The New Kerala DGP
Trusted Reporting Confirmed
The official announcement reaffirms Legend Officers’ reputation as a reliable source for bureaucratic updates. The platform had accurately reported Chandrasekhar’s frontrunner status and expected appointment ahead of the official confirmation.
Leadership Transition in Kerala Police
With Dr. Shaik Darvesh Saheb hanging up his boots today, Kerala bids farewell to a well-regarded police leader. The incoming DGP, Chandrasekhar, brings decades of experience in intelligence and security, and his tenure is expected to focus on modernisation, counter-intelligence, and public safety reforms in the state.
