Shankar Jiwal
Police career
DepartmentTamil Nadu Police Department
Service years1990-present
Rank Director General of Police

Shankar Jiwal (/ˈʃʌŋkər ˈvɑːl/) is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1990 batch, currently serving as the Director General of Police (DGP) and Head of Police Force in Tamil Nadu since June 30, 2023. He succeeded C. Sylendra Babu, who retired from the position. Jiwal had previously held the role of Commissioner of Greater Chennai Police.[1][2][3]

Initial Appointments

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Shankar Jiwal began his career as a district-level officer in Tamil Nadu, serving in critical law enforcement and administrative roles. Over the years, he gained expertise in areas such as crime investigation, intelligence, and counter-insurgency operations.[4][5] On June 30, 2023, Shankar Jiwal was appointed as the Director General of Police and Head of the Tamil Nadu Police Force. He succeeded C. Sylendra Babu, marking the continuation of his career at the helm of state law enforcement.[2][1]

Commissioner of Greater Chennai Police

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In May 2021, Shankar Jiwal was appointed as the Commissioner of Greater Chennai Police, one of India's largest metropolitan police forces. During his tenure, he introduced technology-driven policing, including AI-based systems for crime detection and surveillance, Strengthened community policing programs, such as neighborhood watch schemes and grievance redressal forums and Oversaw major events and ensured effective law enforcement during political and cultural gatherings.[6][7]

Leadership Transition

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Upon Shankar Jiwal's appointment as DGP, Sandeep Rai Rathore, a 1992 batch IPS officer, was named the Commissioner of Chennai Police, succeeding shankar Jiwal. Rathore had previously served as the DGP (Training) and was the first Commissioner of the Avadi City Police Commissionerate.[5][8]

Shankar Jiwal is widely regarded as a forward-thinking police officer, committed to leveraging technology and fostering public trust in law enforcement. His leadership is characterized by his focus on enhancing operational efficiency through digitization. Encouraging transparency and accountability within the police force and strengthening the relationship between police and the public through proactive outreach programs.

Notable Positions

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Issues and Controversies

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  • Custodial Torture Case Involving Balveer Singh

Shankar Jiwal faced criticism for delays in submitting an “Action Taken” report to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) concerning allegations of custodial torture by IPS officer Balveer Singh. The NHRC had issued repeated reminders for compliance, but the police failed to respond in a timely manner, drawing attention to accountability issues under Jiwal's leadership.[9]

  • Spa Raids and Court Orders

As Chennai Police Commissioner, Shankar Jiwal was involved in controversies over unauthorized police raids on spa establishments, violating a Madras High Court directive that designated inspection authority to the Greater Chennai Corporation. Jiwal later apologized to the court for the violations.[10]

  • Savukku Shankar Audio Leak Case (2008)

In 2008, whistleblower Savukku Shankar, a former clerk at the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), was accused of leaking sensitive audio tapes. These tapes allegedly exposed illegal phone-tapping practices involving senior officials. The case led to Shankar's suspension and arrest, with legal proceedings spanning over a decade before his eventual acquittal.[11][12][13]

  • Conflict with Savukku Shankar (2024)

In 2024, Savukku Shankar alleged that senior police officials, including Shankar Jiwal, orchestrated his detention under the Goondas Act following his outspoken criticism of the police and government. The Supreme Court ordered Shankar's release, raising concerns about abuse of power and procedural lapses.[14]

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Shankar Jiwal appointed as Tamil Nadu DGP". DT Next.
  2. ^ a b "Shankar Jiwal appointed as Tamil Nadu's new Director General of Police". The Hindu.
  3. ^ Bureau, The Hindu. "Tamil Nadu has least prevalence of drugs: DGP Shankar Jiwal". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ "Shankar Jiwal's rise: Chennai commissioner to DGP". The New Indian Express. 30 Jun 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Shankar Jiwal appointed chief of Tamil Nadu police; Sandeep Rai Rathore to be Chennai city police commissioner". Times of India. Jun 29, 2023.
  6. ^ "Shankar Jiwal is new Chennai Police Commissioner and Davidson intel chief". The News Minute.
  7. ^ Kumar, S. Vijay (2021-05-07). "Shankar Jiwal is Chennai Police Commissioner". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  8. ^ Staff, T. N. M. (2024-10-18). "Lawyers slam TN DGP Shankar Jiwal's circular saying they hatch conspiracies with prisoners". The News Minute. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  9. ^ "Interview: We have zero tolerance towards custodial torture, says Jiwal". Hindustan Times. Nov 24, 2023.
  10. ^ "Commissioner of Police apologises to High Court over Spa raids". Latest Laws. 18 May 2022.
  11. ^ "Vigilance directorate whistleblower 'Savukku' Shankar acquitted in 2008 phone tapping case". The News Minute. 24 Feb 2017.
  12. ^ arul, p (2017-02-25). "Phone tapping case: Savukku Shankar acquitted". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  13. ^ "Tamil Nadu police arrests 'Savukku' Shankar in old cases, prevents his release from prison". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  14. ^ Sivaraman, R. (2022-05-26). "No basis for arraigning Junior Vikatan directors, Maridhas and 'Savukku' Shankar in FIR: Chennai Police Commissioner". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-21.