Anurag Sharma Retires, Mahender Reddy In-charge DGP

Anurag Sharma, the first DGP of Telangana who took charge on June 2, 2014, remitted office upon superannuation today.

He will be succeeded by Hyderabad Commissioner M Mahender Reddy, IPS, who will be the in-charge DGP until a permanent DGP is appointed.

The last day in office was emotional for the genial and genteel 1982 cadre IPS officer. At a press conference, he spoke wistfully of his 35-year career as an IPS officer, and fondly of the state.

30 of the 35 years were spent in the Telugu states, he said, making the region almost home for him now. Reminiscing about his postings, he said that managing Old City was one of the biggest challenges when he took charge as the South Zone DCP in 1992. Today, however, things had changed, and for the better, he opined.

The former DGP said that there were several changes introduced by him in the police recruitment process, and that he also worked to enhance the use of technology by the force. "We initiated the use of technology by even constables in the department," he said.

Meanwhile, the state government has appointed Sharma as Adviser to the Chief Minister on internal security.