Anjani Kumar takes charge, says will ensure police play big part in Telangana's economic development

HYDERABAD: Anjani Kumar on Saturday assumed office as the new director general of police of Telangana. The top cop took charge at state police headquarters from Mahendar Reddy, who handed over the baton at 12.57pm - considered an auspicious time - at the DGP office on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, a farewell parade was organised for the outgoing DGP at Police Academy.In an emotional speech, Mahendar Reddy, expressed confidence that state police will function efficiently under the new leadership. Senior officers pulled the ceremonial vehicle of the outgoing DGP, who served as an IPS officer for 36 years, till the main gate.
Addressing the farewell parade, Anjani Kumar said he considers himself privileged to have worked under Reddy. "This enabled me to imbibe his work ethos," he said.
"Police are seen widely as partners in economic development in state. We have to take it to the next high level. Telangana is the engine of growth for the country - be it electricity, encouragement to farmers or safety for women, children and weaker sections or attracting big firms," Anjani Kumar said. He promised he would work to reduce anxiety, stress and work pressure. "As seniors, we have to handhold our field level officers and have a genuine desire to make people happy with our conduct," he said.
Later in the day, Anjani called on chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. The chief secretary Somesh Kumar felicitated the outgoing DGP at BRKR Bhavan. Meanwhile, other IPS officers, who were transferred during the recent reshuffle also assumed charge on Saturday. ADG DS Chauhan took charge as new commissioner of Rachakonda police on Saturday from Mahesh Bhagwat.