Leadership in Transition: S. Arunachalam Steps Up as Tamil Nadu's Acting Police Chief

In a significant development for Tamil Nadu's law enforcement, S. Arunachalam, a distinguished Director General of Police (DGP) overseeing the Civil Supplies CID, has been appointed as the acting head of the state's police force. This crucial interim appointment follows the retirement of the incumbent DGP, Shankar Jiwal, who concluded his tenure on Tuesday.

The decision to appoint an 'acting' DGP comes as the Tamil Nadu government navigates the intricate process of selecting a permanent successor.

Sources indicate that the delay in naming a full-time police chief might be linked to the ongoing search for a new Chief Secretary, with the state government reportedly awaiting the finalization of that top administrative position before announcing the new DGP.

The procedure for appointing a full-fledged DGP is a meticulous one, involving multiple layers of scrutiny.

A comprehensive panel comprising eligible IPS officers, boasting over 30 years of service and at least six months remaining in their tenure, is first compiled by the state. This list is then forwarded to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for their expert review. The UPSC, after careful consideration, shortlists three senior-most officers, from which the state government ultimately makes its final selection.

While the state awaits the outcome of this rigorous selection process, S.

Arunachalam will provide steady leadership to the Tamil Nadu Police. This isn't the first time the state has seen an acting chief at the helm; a similar situation occurred in June 2021 when C. Sylendra Babu was appointed acting DGP following the retirement of J.K. Tripathy, before being formally named to the top post.

Shankar Jiwal, whose tenure as DGP has been widely recognized for his contributions to maintaining law and order, is set to embark on a new chapter of public service.

He has been appointed as the Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC), a testament to his exemplary career and continued commitment to the state's administration. As the police force transitions, all eyes will be on the final decision regarding the next permanent leader of Tamil Nadu's robust law enforcement.