Chadalavada Umesh Chandra

His statue at S.R.Nagar.

Chadalavada Umesh Chandra (Telugu: చదలవాడ ఉమేశ్ చంద్ర, March 29, 1966 – September 4, 1999) was one of the most reputed Police officers in the history of Andhra Pradesh. In his tenure as Superintendent of Police of Cuddapah district, he restored normal conditions within a short time. He was called 'Cuddapah tiger' by the people of Cuddapah.

Early life

Umesh Chandra was born on March 29, 1966 at Pedapudi, Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh to Chadalavada Venugopala Rao and Nayanatara. He studied at Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet. He was graduated (B.A.) from Nizam College in 1987 and M.A. in Economics from Osmania University in 1989. He was university topper and Gold medalist in the graduate and postgraduate examinations.

Professional life

He was selected for Indian Police Service in 1991 and underwent training in National Police Academy, Hyderabad.

He was posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Warangal (Rural) between October 1992 to October 1994. He started a highly successful public awareness campaign entitled "Jana Jaagruti". He was later shifted to Pulivendula, where in he has worked between November 1, 1994 to February 2, 1995. He was very stern with the antisocial elements at the same time respecting the common man.

He was returned to Warangal as Officer on Special Duty. He continued his work in the district apprehending criminals, helping the common man, uplifting the spirits of the police force, and projecting the humane side of the police force. The attitude of the people towards the police changed markedly during his tenure in the Warangal district. He planned and executed with precision strategems for the capture of naxalites.

He was promoted to Superintendent of Police in charge of Cuddapah district between June 1995 to June 1997 and as S. P. of Karimnagar district between June 1997 to April 1998. He was promoted to A.I.G. (Welfare and Sports) worked between November 1998 to September 1999.

Warangal Posting

Umesh Chandra started his training as A.S.P in Warangal under the guidance of Mr. Gautam Sawang, the then S.P. Warangal.

Even as a trainee, he planned and participated in several operations againsts the naxalites. He was involved in several exchanges of gunfire with many naxalite "dalams". He apprehended and successfully converted several violent and hard-core naxalites.

As a result of his actions, he gained admiration and loyalty of his subordinates during this training period. This converted later to adoration and affection. He took great care of all his police subordinates.

After training, he was posted back in Warangal district as A.S.P. rural. He continued his war on the naxalite gangs with daring and panache. The highly successful public awareness campaign entitled "Jana Jaagruti", to counter the naxal propaganda was Umesh Chandra's brainchild. This innovative project immensely helped the police in educating the common folk, and gaining their trust. The people no longer looked upon the police as hindrances, but as partners in the betterment of society.

This project aroused patriotic feelings among the police and built great self-confidence amongst them. As a result they became a very efficient force, yet were humane in their dealings with the people.

Cuddapah Posting

Before returning to Cuddapah as Superintendent of Police, Umesh Chandra had a brief stint as A.S.P Pulivendala from November 1, 1994 to February 2, 1995. Pulivendala region was a violent and faction-ridden area. Recognizing Umesh Chandra's qualities and capabilities, the government chose him to bring order to this chaotic region.

This region was rife with gambling centers actively supported by various corrupt and vested interests. Within days of taking charge, Umesh Chandra raided several gambling centers and arrested many prominent citizens, including doctors, lawyers and politicians. This move led to protests from leaders belonging to all major political parties.

Karimnagar Posting

Umesh Chandra served in Karimnagar from June 1997 to April 1998. This district had the most number of active naxalite gangs. Normal life was but a dream. Corrupt and vested interests worked hand-in-glove with the naxalites in exploiting the hard-working, honest and law-abiding citizens of this district.

On the naxalite front Umesh Chandra started planning and executing covert operations with meticulous detail. He put together a close well-knit group of officers and constables that he could trust to get the job done. His reputation of a fair, yet strict administrator helped convince several naxalites to surrender.

Hyderabad Posting

Umesh Chandra started his next assignment in November 1998 after being unjustly suspended for the maximum possible period of six months. Umesh Chandra took over the post of A.I.G Sports and Welfare. For someone who was accustomed to dealing with and solving peoples problems on an continuous basis, this assignment was found to be insipid and dull by Umesh Chandra. He was kept idle, no work was assigned to him, no files were sent to him. This attitude of his senior police officials caused Umesh Chandra great mental agony. He contemplated resigning from the police force on several occasions.

When the additional charge of computer center management was entrusted to Umesh Chandra, he regained some of his enthusiasm and brought up a fully functional networked computer center in a short span of three months. He surprised the top police brass by making everything ready in a record time, just in time for the elections. He initiated and directed the development of a website and associated software that managed police logistics for the then elections. He also took care of the staff in the computer center by providing them with a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining hall.

Death

Umesh Chandra was assassinated on September 4, 1999 when his car stopped at a traffic light. Four naxalites opened fire on him, his driver and his gunman. His driver and gunman were shot at point blank range and died instantly. On that day he did not carry his weapon. While chasing a couple of the naxalites, the naxalites sensed that he did not carry a weapon and turned back and fired at him twice. He collapsed on the road, at which point they shot him point blank.

His statue was unveiled on September 4, 2000 at Sanjiva Reddy Nagar Cross Roads, Hyderabad.

External links

• Personal website of Umesh Chandra