B. Shivadhar Reddy Assumes Charge as Telangana DGP, Sets Focus on Free and Fair Local Body Elections

Hyderabad, Oct 2025 : B. Shivadhar Reddy formally took charge as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana on Wednesday, outlining his immediate priorities and long-term vision for strengthening the state’s policing system.

Speaking to the media after assuming office at the DGP headquarters, Reddy stressed that the foremost responsibility of the police force at present is to ensure the peaceful, transparent, and smooth conduct of the upcoming local body elections. He assured that the police would extend complete support to the State Election Commission in maintaining law and order and in creating conditions conducive for free and fair polls.

Replying to queries, the new police chief underlined that the force would act strictly in accordance with the law and in an impartial manner. He also highlighted the need to address vacancies within the department, especially in specialised wings, and said he would urge the state government to expedite the recruitment process.

Reddy noted that enhancing the human capabilities and technical expertise of the police force would be a key focus during his tenure. He also reiterated the department’s commitment to supporting Maoists willing to surrender and join the mainstream. Citing a recent letter from a Maoist leader expressing readiness to abandon violence, he said such gestures should be encouraged, as their ideology has clearly failed.

Before being appointed as DGP, Reddy was serving as the Director General of Police (Intelligence). The government had issued an order on September 26 assigning him as DGP (Coordination) and subsequently placing him in full additional charge of DGP (Head of Police Force). He succeeds Dr. Jithender, who retired upon attaining superannuation.

An Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1994 batch, Reddy began his career as a lawyer after completing his LLB from Osmania University, Hyderabad. He later cleared the Civil Services Examination and joined the IPS, initially allotted to the Andhra Pradesh cadre. After the bifurcation of the state in 2014, he was reassigned to Telangana. That same year, he became the first Chief of the Intelligence Department in Telangana in the rank of Inspector General.

Over his three-decade-long career, Reddy has held several critical assignments at both district and state levels, including leadership roles in the Personnel Wing, Railways, and Road Safety. In December 2023, the Congress government reinstated him as Chief of Intelligence, and following his promotion in August 2024, he continued in the same role with the rank of Director General of Police.

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Shivadhar Reddy brings deep administrative experience and a clear vision to his new role. His leadership will now guide Telangana Police as it prepares for the crucial task of safeguarding democracy during the upcoming elections.

Team Maverick