Hyderabad, Oct 1 (NationPress) B. Shivadhar Reddy officially took over the role of Director General of Police for Telangana on Wednesday. Upon assuming his new responsibilities at the DGP's office, he emphasized that the immediate focus would be on ensuring a peaceful and orderly execution of the upcoming local body elections.

In a statement to the media, Reddy mentioned that the police department is fully committed to assisting the State Election Commission in facilitating free and fair elections.

Responding to a question, he assured that the police would operate strictly within the legal framework impartially. Reddy expressed the need for the state government to address staffing shortages, especially in specialized units.

He also indicated a desire to enhance the skills and capabilities of the police force.

Additionally, he pledged support for the rehabilitation of Maoists who surrender and wish to reintegrate into society, referencing a communication from a Maoist leader expressing a willingness to abandon violence.

With extensive experience in addressing Maoist issues, Reddy is confident that their ideology has proven ineffective.

Before his current appointment, Reddy served as the Director General of Police for Intelligence. The government appointed him as DGP (Coordination) on September 26 and provided him full additional responsibilities as DGP (Head of Police Force).

He succeeds Dr. Jithender, who retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.

An officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 1994 batch, Reddy holds a law degree from Osmania University and initially practiced as a lawyer before passing the Civil Services Examination and joining the IPS. With over three decades in service, he has undertaken significant roles at both district and state levels.

Born in Hyderabad, Reddy completed his education in the city and joined the IPS in 1994, initially assigned to the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Following the state's bifurcation in 2014, his cadre transitioned to Telangana, where he became the first Chief of the Intelligence Department at the rank of Inspector General. He later assumed roles in the Personnel Wing and Railways & Road Safety after being promoted to Additional DGP.

In December 2023, the Congress Government reinstated Reddy as Chief of Intelligence in the rank of Additional DGP. After his promotion in August 2024, he continued as Chief of Intelligence and took on the responsibilities of Director General of Police.