EC orders transfer of 4 IPS officers in Tamil Nadu ahead of April 19 polls

Acting on directions from the Election Commission of India ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Tamil Nadu Government on Friday ordered the transfer of four Indian Police Service (IPS) officers currently serving in Chennai to key district postings.

The reshuffle comes just days before polling , scheduled to be held in Tamil Nadu on April 19 , as part of the first phase of the 2024 Indian general election. The move is in line with standard poll-related administrative measures aimed at ensuring neutrality and the smooth conduct of elections.

According to an official release, G. Jawahar , Superintendent of Police (SP), CB-CID, Chennai, has been posted as SP of Kancheepuram district. K. Prabakar , who was serving as Enforcement SP, has been transferred to Perambalur as SP.

Similarly, E. Sundaravathanam , SP of Q Branch CID, has been appointed as SP of Thanjavur , while A. Myilvaganan , SP in the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption southern range, has been posted as SP of Tenkasi district.

Such transfers are routinely carried out ahead of elections to maintain administrative impartiality. Under Article 324 of the Constitution , the Election Commission of India has complete power to supervise, direct, and control the conduct of free and fair elections, including the authority to mandate the relocation of officials holding key posts. The move forms part of broader pre-election preparedness as the state heads into a crucial electoral phase.