Introduction
G. Venkataraman, IPS (1994 batch, Tamil Nadu cadre) has assumed pivotal responsibilities in the state’s police administration, culminating in his appointment as the acting Director General of Police (DGP) in September 2025. Respected for his integrity and multi-dimensional policing expertise, his elevation has sparked both support and political debate—making his profile all the more compelling.
Early Life & Education
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Born and raised in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, Venkataraman joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1994.
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He augmented his credentials with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management from IIM Bangalore, which strengthened his administrative acumen alongside policing skills.(The Times of India)
Career Highlights & Policing Journey
Throughout his career, Venkataraman has handled diverse and high-impact roles:
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Superintendent of Police (SP) in Perambalur and Salem districts.
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Deputy Commissioner (Law & Order) in Madurai City.
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SP in central agencies like the CBI and Crime Branch – CB-CID.
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Took on senior leadership roles such as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Salem, Inspector General (IG) in Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, and Assistant DGP in Cyber Crime and CB-CID.(The New Indian Express, The Times of India)
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At police headquarters, he held the administrative leadership as DGP (Administration) prior to his recent elevation.(The Times of India)
This mosaic of domains—district policing, law & order, central investigation, vigilance, cybercrime, administrative leadership—makes him one of the most well-rounded officers in Tamil Nadu.
Recent Appointment as DGP & Political Controversy
Appointment as Acting DGP
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On August 31 / September 1, 2025, following the retirement of DGP Shankar Jiwal, Venkataraman was appointed as DGP (in-charge) or Head of Police Force (HoPF), making him the 33rd DGP of Tamil Nadu.(The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The News Minute, ThePrint)
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Farewell ceremonies for outgoing officers were held at Rajarathinam Stadium, with Jiwal subsequently taking charge as Chairman of the newly-formed Fire Services Commission.(The News Minute, The Times of India, The New Indian Express)
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Simultaneously, Vinit Dev Wankhede was appointed as CMD of Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation, replacing Shailesh Kumar Yadav.(The Times of India, The News Minute)
Controversy & Criticism
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The appointment stirred political backlash. Former BJP state president K. Annamalai accused the DMK government of violating the Supreme Court’s norms, alleging that they bypassed six senior officers who were eligible for the post.(The Times of India, The Hans India, India Today)
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Specifically, he said the state failed to submit a list to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) six months in advance, as mandated, despite having qualified candidates—a move he deemed "illegal" and likely to weaken internal police morale.(The Times of India, The Hans India, India Today)
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Reports mention that six senior officers and two juniors boycotted the handover ceremony in protest.(The Hans India, India Today, The Times of India)
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Annamalai further linked the timing of the appointment to poor women’s safety rankings (Chennai ranked 21st out of 31 cities in the NARI 2025 index) and criticized the handling of public education and law enforcement.(The Times of India, The Hans India, India Today)
These events underline a delicate balancing act—administrative necessity vs. political optics—that continues to shape discussions on police leadership in the state.
Personal Style & Leadership Approach
Though deeply professional and administrative, Venkataraman is consistently praised for:
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Integrity—his upright reputation precedes him.(The Times of India)
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Policy-savviness—with IIM Bangalore credentials enhancing his policy and financial management approaches.(The Times of India)
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Technological competence—notably in cybercrime, vigilance, and e-governance systems.(The Times of India)
He appears to favour structured, rule-aware governance and tactical modernization—qualities valuable at the helm of law enforcement.
Top Interesting Facts
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Batch and Hometown: 1994 IPS officer from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
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Educational Edge: Earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy & Management from IIM Bangalore.
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Diverse Portfolio: From district SP to central bureau roles in CBI and CB-CID, along with Cyber Crime, Vigilance, and administrative wings.
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Integrity First: Known for high ethical standards—credited with rebuilding trust in key departments.
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33rd DGP of TN: Took additional charge as Head of Police Force in early September 2025.
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Political Flashpoint: Appointment triggered stormy debates around protocol, seniority, and state accountability to UPSC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question | Answer |
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Who is G. Venkataraman, IPS? | A 1994-batch IPS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, now serving as acting DGP / Head of Police Force (HoPF), possessing broad experience in district policing, central agencies, cybercrime, vigilance, and administration.(The Times of India, The New Indian Express) |
When did he become DGP? | He assumed charge as acting DGP on September 1, 2025, following the retirement of DGP Shankar Jiwal.(The Times of India, The News Minute) |
Why was his appointment controversial? | BJP leader K. Annamalai criticized the move, alleging the government violated Supreme Court norms by bypassing senior officers and not submitting a timely list to UPSC. Some officers boycotted the ceremony in protest.(The Times of India, The Hans India, India Today) |
What is his educational background? | He holds a PG Diploma in Public Policy & Management from IIM Bangalore.(The Times of India) |
What roles has he held before his current appointment? | SP in Perambalur and Salem, DCP (L&O) in Madurai, SP in CBI, DIG in Salem, IG in Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Assistant DGP in Cyber Crime, DGP (Administration).(The New Indian Express, The Times of India) |
Has he been accused or implicated in any wrongdoing? | No personal controversies surfaced. The contention surrounds the appointment’s protocol and seniority issues, not his conduct. |
What’s next for his appointment? | The government has sent names to UPSC, which will recommend three names. The full-time DGP will be selected from these.(The Times of India) |
Conclusion
G. Venkataraman, IPS emerges as a seasoned, principled police officer with a rare blend of on-ground leadership and administrative acumen. While his appointment as acting DGP of Tamil Nadu is a testament to his credentials, it also lays bare deeper discussions about hierarchy, process, and politicization in police institutions. Whether he becomes the permanent DGP hinges on further UPSC shortlisting—but his reputation stands strong regardless.
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