Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 30 :The Cabinet which met here Today has decided to appoint 1988 batch IPS officer Anil Kant as the new Director General of Police of Kerala.

He replaces Mr Loknath Behra, who will retire today.

There were reports that the names of Anil Kant, who has been serving as ADGP South zone, Sudesh Kumar, B Sandhya were sent to the state by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Delhi-based Anil Kant, a Dalit too, was the Road Safety commissioner.

The name of Anil Kant was approved by the Cabinet.

Though Mr Anil Kant has only seven months of service, he may get an extension as the police chief will have a fixed tenure of two years.

He was the first police chief in Kerala, selected from a list recommend by the UPSC following the intervention of Supreme Court which changed the pattern of selection by the State Government.

Earlier, Mr Loknath Behra, who retires after a 36-year-long career, said the Kerala Police will give priority to ensure women’s security in the state.

Mr Anil Kant said law and order will be a priority of the 50,000-strong police force.(UNI)