Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, a senior IPS officer from the 1989 batch, has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh. He replaces Harish Kumar Gupta in this prestigious role. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Tirumala Rao served as the Commissioner of the Public Transport Department and was the ex officio Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
Career Highlights of Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao
Before his recent posting, Mr. Tirumala Rao held several key positions. He was the Director General (Railways) and the Police Commissioner of Vijayawada. His extensive experience and proven leadership have earned him recognition as an efficient and straightforward officer within the police department.
Mr. Tirumala Rao started his career as an ASP in Kurnool. He subsequently served as ASP in Kamareddy and Dharmavaram and played a pivotal role as Additional SP of Operations in Nizamabad district. His career progressed with promotions to SP, where he served in Anantapur, Kadapa, Medak districts, as well as in Vijayawada Railway, CID, and CBI divisions.
His contributions extended to the role of DIG in the Anantapur and Hyderabad ranges, as well as in the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB). He also served as IG in the OCTOPUS (Organization for Counter-Terrorist Operations) and the Counter-Intelligence Cell. Following the bifurcation of the state, he took on the role of Police Commissioner in Cyberabad and later in Vijayawada.
Senior IPS Officer’s Journey
Mr. Tirumala Rao’s leadership and dedication have been widely acknowledged. Since June 2021, he has been serving as the Managing Director of APSRTC. His strategic insights and operational expertise have significantly contributed to the department’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Appointment and Responsibilities
The Andhra Pradesh government has entrusted Mr. Tirumala Rao with the full additional responsibilities as the Head of the Police Force (DGP – HOPF). This decision was formalized through an order issued by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad on Wednesday night.
Mr. Tirumala Rao stands at the top of the seniority list among the state cadre IPS officers, reflecting his extensive experience and exemplary service record. His appointment as DGP is seen as a strategic move to leverage his leadership skills and in-depth understanding of law enforcement in the state.
Transition from Harish Kumar Gupta
Harish Kumar Gupta, who served as DGP for a brief period, was appointed during the general elections when the Election Commission transferred K.V. Rajendranath Reddy following complaints of partisanship with the YSR Congress Party. Mr. Gupta took charge as DGP on May 6 and held the position for about a month and a half.
However, during his tenure, there were incidents that drew criticism. Notably, during Chandrababu Naidu’s swearing-in ceremony, traffic mismanagement led to significant disruptions, causing inconvenience to Governor Justice Abdul Nazeer, who got stuck in traffic and missed welcoming the Prime Minister at Gannavaram airport. Such incidents, along with considerations of seniority, paved the way for Mr. Tirumala Rao’s appointment as the new DGP.
Conclusion
Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao’s appointment as the new DGP of Andhra Pradesh marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. His extensive experience across various capacities within the police force and his reputation for integrity and efficiency make him a fitting choice for this critical role. As he steps into his new position, expectations are high for continued excellence in law enforcement and public safety in Andhra Pradesh.