K. Vijay Kumar, a highly respected retired Indian Police Service officer, is known for his role in eliminating the dreaded bandit Veerappan and successfully leading anti-Naxal operations in the country. He was born on September 15, 1952, in Palakkad district, Kerala. His father also served as an Inspector in the police department. After completing his M.A degree from Madras Christian College, he was selected as an IPS officer in 1975. He was among the first batch of officers in the country’s most elite security force, the Special Protection Group (SPG), and commanded the personal security of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi from 1985 to 1990. During the volatile period of the Kargil War from 1999 to 2001, he served as the Inspector General of the Border Security Force in Srinagar. In 2004, as head of the Tamil Nadu Police’s Special Task Force, he led Operation Cocoon, eliminating the notorious sandalwood smuggler Veerappan.
In, 2010 Dantewada Naxal attack, he also served as Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Police Commissioner of Chennai. He also served as the head of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy and as the senior security advisor to the Union Home Ministry. K. Vijay Kumar retired on September 30, 2012, from the highest post in his police career, the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force. He has also chronicled his courageous police experience in his book, “Veerappan: Changing the Brigade.” Recognizing his exceptional strategic ability, the Government of India appointed him to several other highly important positions immediately after his retirement.
Positions Held After Retirement
- Senior Security Advisor in the Ministry of Home Affairs (2012-2014 or 2019-2022) :After retiring from the CRPF, he was appointed the country’s Chief Security Advisor in the Union Home Ministry, where he devised military and police strategies to completely eliminate Naxalism in the country’s Naxal-affected states.
- Advisor to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (2018-2019) : When Governor’s rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Government appointed him as the Core Administrative Advisor to the Governor. He took charge of highly sensitive departments such as Home, Health, Medical, Education, and Forests.
Major Gallantry Awards
- President’s Police Medal 2004 : Gallantry for the successful elimination of sandalwood smuggler Veerappan.
- Padma Shri 2026 : awarded by the Government of India for his outstanding contribution to strengthening the country’s internal security and counter-terrorism and insurgency operations.
- President’s Police Medal : for Distinguished Service. For his exceptional and distinguished leadership in police service.
- Other Military and Police Medals: Counter Insurgency Medal, Jammu and Kashmir Medal, and Meritorious Service.