Former state ACB chief RP Thakur appointed as DGP of Andhra

Putting end to speculations, the Andhra Pradesh government finally appointed a new Director General of Police, Head of Police Force (DGP, HoPF) on Saturday.

Ram Pravesh Thakur, an IPS officer of 1986 batch was appointed DGP by the Chief Secretary on behalf of the Andhra government.

Prior to this, Thakur was serving as the Director General of state ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau).

RP Thakur will succeed the former DGP Dr M Malakondaiah, who retired from service on Saturday.

The new DGP expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu before assuming office. He said "I'm thankful to honourable CM for having trust in me and giving this opportunity to serve the public.”

Speaking later at the farewell ceremony of the former DGP, RP Thakur said that Malakondaiah was a role model for all officers in the department.

RP Thakur started his career as Additional Superintendent of Police at National Police Academy in Hyderabad in 1986.

He also worked as ASP in Guntur, Warangal districts and later at Krishna, West Godavari and Kadapa districts as SP.

Before heading CISF Eastern Zone Headquarters at Patna, he served as DIG of Rayalaseema and Warangal regions.

He has also served as ADGP (Technology Services) and as DG (Drugs & Copyright).

Thakur has bagged several awards for excellence in the services.

Another senior officer, Vijayawada City Commissioner of Police Gautam Sawang, was in the running for the top post till Friday.

This development assumes significance, with the state heading for general elections next year.

RP Thakur’s appointment is the second one following amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Police Act. 

The amendment was meant to allow the state government to appoint officers on its own, without the intervention of the Centre.

The Andhra Pradesh Police (Reforms) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 was promulgated by the Governor on December 25.