K Arvind Rao, a 1977 batch Indian Police Services officer, is the new director general of Andhra Pradesh police. He succeeded R R Girish Kumar, who retired on Tuesday
The Andhra Pradesh government issued the orders appointing Rao as the new DGP on Tuesday.
Arvind Rao, who was presently director general, anti corruption bureau, also served as the state intelligence chief for a long time. He has rich and varied experience in policing and administration and seen as an authority to counter Left wing extremism.
He has also authored a book on the subject of tackling Maoist violence.
Arvind Rao was among the officials who played an important role in the successful multi pronged strategy of Andhra Pradesh in effectively dealing with the Left wing extremism.
He served as the superintendent in several districts and was the Vijaywada police commissioner. He also held the position of Inspector General of elite anti Naxalite force Greyhounds.
Arvind Rao, also held the key post of additional commissioner of Hyderabad police and was promoted as DGP last year. He hails from Anantapur district in Rayalseema region.
Girish Kumar, who is relative of Arvind Rao, was given a warm send off by his colleagues. A special farewell parade was also held in his honour at SAR Parade Grounds in Amberpet on Tuesday morning.
As there were three other claimants for the top post, the state government conducted an elaborate exercise to zero in on the successor to Girish Kumar.
Girish Kumar was appointed DGP last year after the controversial incumbent SSP Yadav was transferred following the death of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash.
