ECI Appoints Sandeep Rai Rathore As Tamil Nadu’s New DGP Ahead Of Assembly Polls

In a significant development ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the ECI has replaced in-charge DGP G. Venkatraman with Sandeep Rai Rathore, a 1992-batch IPS officer. The appointment is effective immediately, with the state government directed to submit a compliance report confirming Rathore’s assumption of charge.

Leadership Change And Election Context

The reshuffle follows petitions from opposition parties raising concerns about impartiality in law enforcement during the election period. By appointing Rathore, the ECI aims to reinforce confidence in the neutrality of the police force and strengthen the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Additional Police Postings

Alongside Rathore’s appointment, the ECI has announced several other key postings. Sanjay Kumar has been named Commissioner of Police for Tambaram, while Abhishek Dixit will serve as Commissioner of Police for Madurai. R.V. Ramya Bharti has been posted as Inspector-General of Police, West Zone. These changes are intended to bolster law and order management across critical regions during the election.

Profile Of Sandeep Rai Rathore

Rathore, currently serving as DGP of the Tamil Nadu Police Academy, brings extensive experience in policing and disaster response. He has previously held senior roles, including Inspector General of Police in the National Disaster Response Force. His appointment underscores the ECI’s emphasis on experienced leadership to oversee sensitive election operations.

Ensuring Free And Fair Elections

The ECI has clarified that officers transferred in this reshuffle will not be assigned election-related duties until the completion of polls, ensuring impartiality. The changes highlight the Commission’s proactive approach to maintaining transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

Key Highlights

* ECI appoints Sandeep Rai Rathore as new DGP and Head of Police Force in Tamil Nadu

* Appointment effective immediately ahead of April 23 Assembly elections

* G. Venkatraman replaced following opposition concerns over impartiality

* Sanjay Kumar posted as Commissioner of Police, Tambaram; Abhishek Dixit in Madurai

* R.V. Ramya Bharti appointed Inspector-General of Police, West Zone

* Officers transferred will not be assigned election-related duties until polls conclude

Sources: News18, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, The News Minute