From Operation Cocoon to CRPF Leadership – The Journey of a Legendary Officer
Former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer K Vijay Kumar, widely remembered for leading the operation that ended the reign of forest brigand Veerappan, has been awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, on Republic Day 2026. The 74-year-old veteran is among 113 recipients recognized this year for exceptional contributions across diverse fields.
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Born on 15 September 1952 in Tamil Nadu, Vijay Kumar grew up in a large family with six siblings. Alongside his policing career, he pursued extensive higher education:
Bachelor of Law (BL) and Master of Law (ML) from the University of Madras
Master of Business Administration (MBA) from IGNOU
Master’s in Business Law from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore (2010)
His academic achievements strengthened his expertise in law, administration, and internal security.
Career in the Indian Police Service
Joining the IPS (Tamil Nadu cadre) on 10 November 1975, Kumar served for nearly four decades in critical assignments:
Assistant Superintendent in Pattukkottai, Trichy, and Sembiam
Superintendent of Police in Dharmapuri (1982–83) and Salem (1983–85), working closely with Walter Devaram
Officer in the Special Protection Group (SPG), providing security to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (1985–90)
SP of Dindigul (1990) and Vellore (1991)
Co-founder of the Special Security Group (SSG) for then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa (1991)
Leadership in Crisis and Counter-Insurgency
Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Tamil Nadu (1997) – managed caste clashes in southern districts
Inspector General, BSF Srinagar (1998–2000) – served during peak militancy in Jammu & Kashmir
IG (Operations), BSF – before leading the fight against Veerappan
Operation Cocoon: The Defining Moment
In 2004, as head of the Tamil Nadu Police Special Task Force (STF), Kumar masterminded Operation Cocoon, which ended Veerappan’s decades-long terror. His meticulous planning and execution brought him national fame. Later, he authored “Veerappan: Chasing the Brigand”, offering an insider’s account of the operation.
Role in CRPF and Anti-Naxal Operations
Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad (2008)
Director General (DG), CRPF (2010–2012) – appointed after the deadly Tadmetla ambush in Chhattisgarh that killed 76 personnel
Oversaw major counter-Naxal operations, including the elimination of Maoist leader Kishenji in West Bengal (2011)
His expertise in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency made him a key strategist in India’s internal security framework.
Post-Retirement Contributions
Even after retiring in 2012, Kumar continued serving the nation:
Senior Security Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Advisor to the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, handling portfolios from Home to Civil Aviation
Re-appointed Senior Security Adviser, MHA (2019)
Awards and Honours
President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (2005) – for Veerappan operation
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (1999)
Police Medal for Meritorious Service (1993)
Jammu & Kashmir Medal
Counter-Insurgency Medal
Padma Shri (2026) – for lifetime service in policing and national security
Personal Reflections
Reacting to the honour, Kumar said: “This is a tribute to all my teams with whom I have worked.” Now based between Bengaluru and Chennai, he continues to advise on internal security and mentor young police officers.
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