CHENNAI: In yet another high-profile reshuffle, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday ordered the transfer of KA Senthilvelan, Inspector General of Police (Intelligence), and appointed IG (Technical Services) A Avinash Kumar in his place.
The ECI directed Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar not to assign Senthilvelan to any election-related posts and sought a compliance report on Avinash Kumar’s assumption of charge as IG (Intelligence) by 5pm Sunday.
Complying with the ECI’s directive, Home Secretary K Manivasan issued an order appointing A Avinash Kumar as IG (Intelligence), and he assumed charge. Avinash has prior experience on deputation with the Intelligence Bureau.
Since the announcement of the Assembly election schedule on March 15, the ECI has transferred several senior officials, including N Muruganandam (chief secretary), G Venkataraman (DGP), Dheeraj Kumar (home secretary).
Other senior officials include S Davidson Devasirvatham (DGP, Armed Police and Director, DVAC), A Arun (Greater Chennai Police Commissioner), K Elambahavath (collector, Thoothukudi), R Brinda Devi (collector, Salem), A Amalraj (Tambaram City Police Commissioner) and J Loganathan (Madurai City Police Commissioner).
Earlier this month, the ECI had appointed Sandeep Mittal as Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, but later revoked the order after DMK leader TR Baalu, in a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, termed the appointment arbitrary and unreasonable.
Meanwhile, the empanelment committee meeting to appoint a regular DGP/Head of Police Force for Tamil Nadu is likely to be deferred for a second time.
The earlier meeting, scheduled for March 20, was postponed as some union government representatives could not attend.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had convened the empanelment committee meeting for April 23, 2026.
Sources said former chief secretary N Muruganandam wrote to the UPSC, pointing out that the date coincides with polling in Tamil Nadu, making it difficult for him and the Home Secretary to attend.
Subsequently, the ECI appointed Sandeep Rai Rathore as DGP/Head of Police Force. Sources said the next empanelment committee meeting is likely to be held after the Assembly election process concludes.
