Chennai: V Vaikunda Venkatachari, often called Vaikunth, a 1960-batch IPS officer and former Chennai Police Commissioner and Director General of Police (Law and Order), died at his residence in Bishop Garden, Raja Annamalaipuram, on Friday due to age-related illness. He was 89.Venkatachari served in the Tamil Nadu Police for about 35 years, holding several senior positions before retiring in 1995. After retirement, he was associated with community service initiatives in Chennai.Family members said he sustained a hip injury after a fall at his residence five months ago. He underwent a routine medical examination at a hospital on Thursday and died at home on Friday evening.During his police career, Vaikunth played a significant role in modernising the department. He was instrumental in establishing the Tamil Nadu Police Housing Board and the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board. The first housing project of the Police Housing Board was constructed in Tiruchy during his tenure.Former Director General of Police A X Alexander recalled Vaikunth’s role during the devastating floods of November 1976, when he coordinated rescue operations for people stranded in floodwaters.Vaikunth also served in the Home Guards for many years and received a distinguished service award for his contributions to the organisation.He is survived by his wife, Leela, and sons Vijayakumar, a dentist, and Aravind, who works for a bank in Abu Dhabi.
