DGP-rank officer retires with tribute to Umesh Chandra

Vijayawada: A Director General of Police rank officer and chairperson of AP Road Safety Authority, Madireddy Pratap, marked his retirement on Tuesday with an emotional tribute to his close friend and 1991-batch IPS colleague, the late Umesh Chandra, by dedicating his police uniform at the latter’s statue in Tenali.

Pratap completed a symbolic cycling journey from the AP DGP office in Mangalagiri to Tenali in the morning on his final day of service. After reaching the statue of Umesh Chandra, he offered the uniform he wore during his over 35 years of service as a mark of respect to the martyred officer.The cycling ride was dedicated to the memory of Umesh Chandra, who was among the most respected police officers of Andhra Pradesh and was known for his fearless fight against extremism and organised crime. He was killed by naxalites in 1999. Several police personnel voluntarily joined Pratap during the cycling ride as a mark of admiration and respect.

The tribute reflected the bond between the two IPS officers, who shared a professional association as batchmates and a close personal friendship.Pratap’s own journey from a humble background to becoming a DG-rank officer has been widely recognised as inspirational. Born into a farming family, he helped his mother deliver milk during his early years before rising through hard work and dedication. He completed his B.Tech from Andhra University, M.Tech from IIT Delhi and MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Known for his discipline, fitness and simple lifestyle, Pratap has often credited his parents and teachers for shaping his career.

Before retirement, he visited his former teachers in Narasaraopet and sought their blessings.During his long career, Pratap held several key positions, including Superintendent of Police of Vizianagaram, Greyhounds Group Commander, DCP East Zone Hyderabad, additional secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, CEO of AP Investment Promotion Board, DGP of AP Special Protection Force, vice-chairperson and managing director of APSRTC, and Director General of AP Fire and Disaster Response Services. He also served with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Known as a hard nut to crack, Pratap was kept in an insignificant post of road safety authority when he refused to budge to the political pressure as the DG of fire services two years ago.