Shivadhar Reddy Takes Charge as Telangana’s New Director General of Police

Senior IPS officer B Shivadhar Reddy assumed charge as the 28th Director General of Police (DGP) for Telangana on Wednesday, succeeding Jitender, who retired upon superannuation the previous day. The appointment, announced by the state government, positions Reddy as DGP (Coordination) with full additional charge of the state's police force until further orders, marking a seamless transition amid ongoing efforts to bolster law enforcement in the rapidly developing southern state.

A 1994-batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana cadre, Reddy brings over three decades of distinguished service, including pivotal roles at district and state levels. Prior to this elevation, he served as the Director General of the Telangana Intelligence Department since his reinstatement in December 2023 following the Congress government's assumption of power. Promoted to the rank of DGP in August 2024, Reddy continued leading intelligence operations, a critical wing responsible for counter-terrorism, cyber threats, and internal security in a state bordering sensitive regions.

Reddy's career highlights include being the inaugural Inspector General of the Telangana Intelligence Department post the state's bifurcation from Andhra Pradesh in 2014, where he established foundational structures for modern surveillance and analysis. He later headed the Personnel Wing, focusing on police recruitment and welfare, and spearheaded initiatives in Railways and Road Safety as Additional DGP.

Earlier, Reddy served as Commissioner of Police for Visakhapatnam, managing urban policing during a period of industrial growth and coastal security challenges. His expertise in intelligence has been lauded for enhancing inter-agency coordination, particularly in tackling organised crime and narcotics trafficking along Telangana's borders.

Also Read: Wife of Slain Maoist Kishenji Surrenders, Receives ₹25 Lakh Rehabilitation

The transition comes at a juncture when Telangana faces pressing issues like urban crime in Hyderabad, farmer distress in rural areas, and cyber fraud surges, with police modernisation under the Revanth Reddy administration emphasising technology integration. Officials expect Reddy's leadership to prioritise community policing and digital forensics, building on Jitender's tenure that saw a 15% dip in cognisable crimes per state data.

Reddy, addressing officers upon assuming charge, emphasised collaborative governance and public trust, stating, "Our mandate is proactive protection, ensuring Telangana remains a beacon of safety and progress."

Also Read: Zubeen Garg’s Festival Organiser, Manager Jailed by Police Fourteen Days