Letika Saran becomes first woman DGP of Tamil Nadu

Letika Saran has become the first woman DGP (law and order) of Tamil Nadu. She already holds the distinction of being the first woman Commissioner of Chennai police.

A 1976 batch IPS officer, she replaces KP Jain who has hardly three months left for retirement and has gone leave. The state home department announced the appointment late on Friday. On Saturday, Letika Saran met the Chief Minister Karunanidhi to thank him.

Saran’s appointment has been made superceding at least four officers — N. Balachandran, who heads the state Uniformed Services Recruitment Board; R Nataraj, DGP (fire and rescue services); S.K. Upadhyay, who is under suspension; and V Balachandran, DGP (vigilance) in TNEB. A 1975 batch IPS officer, K Vijaykumar, is on deputation to the National Police Academy in Hyderabad.

Saran was elevated as DGP last September. She has served in various positions, including in the crime branch and the DVAC. She is a native of Idukki district in Kerala.

- Asian Tribune -