Senior IPS officers linked to high-profile cases take on new roles in Telangana police reshuffle

Senior IPS officers who led major investigations, anti-Maoist operations, and women's safety drives have been given key posts in a major Telangana police reshuffle announced on November 12, 2026.

Key Appointments

Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat is the new Hyderabad Police Commissioner. A 1995-batch officer, Bhagwat previously led Rachakonda police and worked against human trafficking, earning recognition from the US Department of State. His predecessor, V.C. Sajjanar, moves to head the Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence, and also takes charge as DGP of the Special Protection Force. Sajjanar previously oversaw the investigation into the 2019 Disha case as Cyberabad Police Commissioner and was Warangal SP during the 2008 acid attack case investigation.

Women's Safety And Prisons

Soumya Mishra and Swati Lakra have exchanged roles. Mishra, a 1994-batch officer, is now DGP of Women and Safety, SHE Teams and Bharosa, after previously heading prisons and the EAMCET question paper leak probe. Lakra, a 1995-batch officer, takes over as Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services. Lakra launched the SHE Teams initiative in Hyderabad on October 24, 2014, and helped establish Bharosa centres along with a child-friendly court.

ACB And Drug Probe

Charu Sinha has been appointed Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau while retaining additional charge of the CID. A 1996-batch officer, Sinha previously led the CRPF's Srinagar sector. Meanwhile, Akun Sabharwal takes over as Additional DGP, Law and Order. Sabharwal headed the Special Investigation Team that probed the 2017 Tollywood drug racket.

Context

Police department reshuffles are routine administrative decisions made by state governments to reposition senior leadership across key law enforcement divisions. Such transfers often bring decorated officers with specialized experience in anti-corruption, counter-terrorism, or public safety into major commissionerates and specialized wings.