Early Life and Background
While publicly accessible information about T S Anbu’s personal early life is limited, what is known is that he belongs to the Tamil Nadu cadre of the Indian Police Service (IPS), with his batch being 2001. (The News Minute)
Given the standard IPS career track, he would have had his initial training at an IPS training academy and thereafter been posted to various sub-divisional and district formations in the state. The specifics of his schooling, hometown or early influences are not readily documented in public sources.
Career Trajectory
Below is a breakdown of his career progression, based on media reports and official postings:
2001 batch IPS officer
T S Anbu was part of the 2001 batch of IPS officers in Tamil Nadu. (The News Minute)
Early postings
While exact dates are not available for all postings, media reports indicate that he began as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in the Pattukottai sub-division (Thanjavur) early in his career. (The New Indian Express) He went on to serve in districts like Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Madurai and Coimbatore in various capacities. (The Times of India)
Police Commissioner, Tirunelveli City (2021)
On 22 February 2021 he assumed charge as Commissioner of the City of Tirunelveli. Earlier, he had served as DIG for the Tirunelveli range. (The Times of India)
IG South Zone (May 2021)
In May 2021 he was appointed as Inspector General (IG), South Zone of Tamil Nadu Police. (The Times of India)
IG, Administration – Chennai / CCB & Later IG, Idol Wing (2019)
In December 2019, his appointment as IG (Idol Wing), CID, Tamil Nadu was announced. He previously held the role of IG (Administration) in Chennai. (The News Minute)
He has also served as Joint Commissioner of the Central Crime Branch (CCB), Deputy Commissioner (Chennai East) and other senior law-&-order roles. (The News Minute)
Empanelment at Centre (2022)
In December 2022 he was reported to have been empanelled for IG / equivalent posts at the Centre of India — indicating recognition of his seniority and suitability for central postings. (Whispersinthecorridors)
Key Responsibilities & Notable Work
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As Commissioner of Tirunelveli city, Anbu emphasised citizens’ grievances and people-friendly policing. (The Times of India)
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His appointment as IG (Idol Wing) placed him at the helm of a sensitive unit in Tamil Nadu tasked with recovery of temple idols, controlling idol-theft syndicates and coordinating with HR&CE (Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments) department. (Deccan Chronicle)
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His various postings in the crime branch and law-&-order zones indicate exposure to major investigations, coordination with intelligence units, and administrative oversight.
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The empanelment for central posts suggests a trajectory towards national-level responsibility.
Controversies & Challenges
While no major personal scandal linked directly to T S Anbu appears widely documented, his appointment and functioning in certain roles coincided with contentious environments:
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Idol Wing Transition Logic: His appointment as IG, Idol Wing followed the controversial tenure of his predecessor Pon Manickavel, who had been appointed by the Madras High Court and was at loggerheads with the Tamil Nadu government over case-file handovers. The changeover was seen by some as political/ administrative in nature. (The News Minute)
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Administration vs Investigation Balance: In the Idol Wing shift, the earlier unit was criticised by some HR&CE officials as being “vindictive” in arrests of senior officials. While Anbu’s direct role in these specific allegations is not documented, stepping into a unit with contested legacy would have posed institutional and reputational challenges. (Deccan Chronicle)
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Law & Order Pressures: As IG South Zone and city head, he faced the typical pressures of policing during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., enforcing curfews) and high expectations for performance in Tamil Nadu’s politically charged environment. (The Times of India)
Given limited open sources, there is no clear record of formal disciplinary proceedings or major public controversies naming Anbu himself.
Leadership Style & Image
From his statements and postings one gathers that T S Anbu projects an image of being administratively competent, law-&-order oriented and people-centric. For example, while assuming office in Tirunelveli he declared: “my priority will be management of Covid-19… Police will approach people politely”. (The Times of India) His empanelment for central posts suggests that the bureaucracy and government consider him reliable and suitable for higher responsibilities.
Role in Tamil Nadu Police Landscape
In the context of the Tamil Nadu Police hierarchy, T S Anbu has risen through the ranks relatively swiftly (for a 2001 batch officer) to IG-level posts, reflecting both his seniority and trust placed in him by the government. His experience spans major urban areas (Chennai, Coimbatore), crime branch investigations and sensitive zones (temple idol thefts, religious-sensitive policing). This broad exposure positions him as a key mid-senior level officer within the state’s police setup, and potentially for central deputation or all-India roles.
Current Status
As of the latest publicly available information (2022-23), Anbu remains empanelled for central postings and continues to hold high ranking responsibilities in Tamil Nadu. There’s no publicly confirmed information about his retirement or reassignment beyond that.
Top Interesting Facts
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Batch-2001 IPS: His inclusion in the 2001 batch places him among the younger senior officers in Tamil Nadu cadre today. (The News Minute)
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Idol Wing Chief: One of his most high-profile appointments was heading the Idol Wing (temple idol theft unit) — a unit often under media spotlight. (The News Minute)
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Empanelled for Central Role: In December 2022, he was declared eligible for IG/Equivalent roles at the national level, showing recognition beyond the state. (Whispersinthecorridors)
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City Commissioner Turn-around: His appointment as Commissioner of Tirunelveli city in 2021 came with explicit instructions on community policing and COVID-management. (The Times of India)
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Blend of Administration & Investigation Roles: Unlike officers who specialise only in beat policing or investigations, Anbu has held both administration (IG Admin) and crime branch & law-&‐order roles, giving him a wider skill-set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is T S Anbu’s educational background?
A. There is no widely published information detailing his school education or university qualifications in the public domain.
Q2. When did he join the IPS and what is his cadre?
A. He joined the Indian Police Service in the 2001 batch and is part of the Tamil Nadu cadre. (The News Minute)
Q3. What are some of the major posts he has held?
A. Key posts include: Commissioner of Tirunelveli City (2021) (The Times of India); IG South Zone (May 2021) (The Times of India); IG (Administration), Chennai; IG (Idol Wing) CID, Tamil Nadu (2019) (The News Minute)
Q4. Has he been involved in any major controversies?
A. While the Idol Wing he headed had a contested history, there is no publicly documented major controversy directed personally at Anbu in credible media sources as of now.
Q5. What is the significance of being empanelled for IG/Equivalent posts at Centre?
A. Empanelment means the officer is eligible for postings in the Government of India at IG-level (or equivalent) which is a marker of seniority and competence, and opens up national‐level opportunities. (Whispersinthecorridors)
Q6. What might be future prospects for T S Anbu?
A. Given his empanelment for central roles, his broad exposure and seniority, it is plausible that he may take up a central deputation (e.g., in Central Bureau of Investigation, intelligence, or other national security roles) or ascend further in Tamil Nadu (e.g., Additional Director General / Director General roles) depending on vacancy, performance and political-administrative alignment.
Conclusion
T S Anbu stands out as an accomplished Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officer of the 2001 batch with a rich blend of administrative, investigation and law-&‐order experience. While he quietly rose through the ranks, his appointments — especially to the Idol Wing and the empanelment for central roles — reflect trust and recognition from the state and central leadership. Though not free from the complexities of policing in a politically charged environment, the absence of significant public controversy tied to him personally speaks to a relatively clean professional image.

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