Veteran IPS Officer and Aviation Security Expert Brings Decades of Counter-Terrorism and Civil Aviation Experience to Strengthen GMR’s Security Framework
GMR Airports has appointed M. A. Ganapathy, IPS (Retd), as Executive Director, Security & Vigilance, marking a significant addition to its leadership team. Ganapathy, a 1986-batch IPS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, is widely recognized as one of India’s foremost experts in aviation security and internal safety. His career spans nearly four decades, with extensive experience in counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking operations, and civil aviation security management.
Distinguished Career in Aviation and National Security
Ganapathy has held several critical leadership roles, including:
Director General, National Security Guard (NSG) – India’s elite counter-terrorism force
Director General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) – overseeing India’s aviation security framework
Additional Director General / Special Director General, Airport Sector, CISF – modernizing aviation security infrastructure
His tenure across these institutions was marked by strengthening airport security protocols, introducing advanced technologies, and enhancing preparedness against terror threats.
Leadership at NSG and BCAS
Ganapathy’s final posting before retirement was as Director General of NSG, where he served from March 18, 2021, until February 29, 2024. During this period, he led India’s premier counter-terrorism force, tasked with responding to terror attacks, hostage crises, and hijacking incidents.
Earlier, as DG of BCAS, he played a pivotal role in fortifying aviation security nationwide. His leadership at CISF’s Airport Sector (2017–2020) emphasized manpower rationalisation, capacity-building, and collaboration with international aviation security experts.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born on March 1, 1964, in Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka, Ganapathy completed his schooling locally before pursuing higher education at prestigious institutions. He graduated in Economics from Madras Christian College, Chennai (1984), followed by a Master’s in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (1986), the same year he joined the IPS. Later, he earned a Law degree from the University of Delhi (2007).
Early IPS Career in Uttar Pradesh
Ganapathy began his policing career in the Uttar Pradesh cadre (1987–1999), serving as Superintendent and Senior Superintendent of Police in districts such as Kanpur City, Meerut, Allahabad, Nainital, Hardoi, and Sonebhadra. His assignments exposed him to diverse challenges, including communal tensions, urban crime, serious investigations, anti-dacoity operations, and Naxal-related issues.
Role in CBI and Cricket Match-Fixing Probe
Between 1999 and 2007, Ganapathy served with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as SP and later DIG. In 2000, he supervised the high-profile investigation into cricket match-fixing allegations, which led to disciplinary action against certain players by the BCCI. His role in this landmark probe has been documented in Ed Hawkins’ book “Bookie, Gambler, Fixer, Spy” (Bloomsbury, 2012). Later, as DIG, Anti-Corruption-I, Delhi, he oversaw investigations into major corruption cases.
Leadership in Uttarakhand Police
Following the creation of Uttarakhand in 2000, Ganapathy was allocated to the new state cadre. He served as IG Crime/Law & Order, IG Garhwal Range, and IG Haridwar Mahakumbh-2010, where he managed security for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. In May 2016, he was appointed Director General of Police (DGP), Uttarakhand, where he emphasized rules-based policing and introduced community policing models to strengthen public trust.
Strategic Role at the Ministry of Home Affairs
From 2011 to 2016, Ganapathy served in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as Joint Secretary (Left Wing Extremism) and later as Joint Secretary, Internal Security-I.
He supervised infrastructure and security projects in LWE-affected states.
Played a key role in drafting the National Policy and Action Plan – 2015.
Drafted the National Security Clearance Policy – 2015.
Represented India in international counter-terrorism forums and FATF plenary sessions.
Global Training and Recognition
Ganapathy has undergone advanced training at leading institutions:
National Defence College, New Delhi (2006) – National Security and Strategic Affairs
Oxford University (2012) – Negotiation Programme
Harvard Kennedy School (2013) – Leadership in the 21st Century
Awards:
Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2002)
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services
Strengthening GMR Airports’ Security Framework
With his appointment, GMR Airports is expected to benefit from Ganapathy’s deep expertise in aviation security, threat assessment, counter-terrorism preparedness, and regulatory compliance. Industry observers view his induction as a strategic move, aligning with the increasing focus on technology-driven security systems, risk mitigation, and global best practices in airport safety.
