Loknath Behera appointed as DGP again

Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF government has appointed Lokanath Behera as the state police chief again. The 1985-batch IPS officer, who is currently posted as Vigilance Director, will replace T P Senkumar, who retires on June 30.

The Pinarayi government removed Senkumar from the post of Police Chief and posted Behera as Chief on 2016 May 29. But it was forced to reinstate him as state Police Chief after Senkumar got a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court.

The Cabinet meeting held in state Secretariat approved the recommendations of the appointment committee headed by Chief Secretary Nalini Netto. The committee, which also includes Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and the Secretary of Legal department, suggested Behera for the appointment as Police Chief.

The government has, however, not named anyone as Vigilance Director to replace Behera.

Meanwhile, Behera thanked government for the re-appointment. "I am happy although I'm yet to receive the official letter regarding the appointment. I am not bothered about the controversies. I will continue work in the same mode, focusing more on the investigations of crimes," he said.