🧭 Introduction
Yathish Chandra G. H. (born 8 November 1983) is a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2011 batch, originally from Karnataka. Known for his firm, no-nonsense approach and ethical backbone, he has earned both public acclaim and criticism. He has served in key positions across Kerala and Karnataka and is currently posted as DCP (Cyber Crime Branch II), Bengaluru City Police.
1. Early Life & Education
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Date & Place of Birth: Born in Davanagere district, Karnataka, on 8 November 1983 (wikidata.org, keralakaumudi.com).
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Family Background: Son of Halappa (a government servant) and Sidha Gangamma; the couple later moved to Kerala (onmanorama.com).
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Education: Attended Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru School, Davangere; earned a B.E. in Electronics & Communication Engineering from Bapuji Institute of Engineering & Technology (wikidata.org).
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Early Career: Worked as a software engineer at Motorola (later Cognizant) in Bengaluru before quitting in 2010 to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Exam (onmanorama.com).
2. Entry into IPS & Cadre Assignments
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Civil Services Entry: Secured Air India Rank 211 in 2010, opting for the prestigious Karnataka cadre and joining the IPS in 2011 (wikimylinks.com).
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Kerala Deputation: Took voluntary inter‑cadre deputation to Kerala in 2011; held SPC roles in Kannur, Angamaly, Aluva, Kochi, and Thrissur before being deputed back to Karnataka in 2021 (indianmandarins.com).
3. Career Highlights
3.1 Kannur & Angamaly (Kerala)
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As SP, Kannur, Yathish earned a reputation for vigorous law-and-order enforcement.
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In Angamaly (March 2015), he led a controversial lathi‑charge against Left Front protesters (keralakaumudi.com).
3.2 Aluva & Kochi
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As SP, Aluva Rural, he was criticized for baton‑charging protesters near LPG plant protests (keralakaumudi.com).
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As DCP, Kochi City, he handled major civic unrest—including the COVID‑19 lockdown.
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In March 2020, he publicly humiliated violators by making them perform squats; Kerala CM rebuked him, triggering a state inquiry (thenewsminute.com).
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A child-witness told Kerala's Human Rights Commission that Yathish assaulted his father during Puthuvype protests .
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3.3 Sabarimala Stand‑Off (2018)
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Became a household name when he confronted Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan over regulations at Sabarimala, asking, “Would you take responsibility for the traffic snarl?” (onmanorama.com).
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The confrontation went viral, earning him praise as “Kerala’s rock‑star cop” (keralakaumudi.com).
3.4 Thrissur Commissioner’s Tenure
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As Commissioner of Police, Thrissur (2023–24):
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His "iron fist" approach to law and order drew both commendation and criticism.
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A video emerged revealing his enthusiastic participation in Thrissur Pooram 2024, contrasting later harsh policing that sparked public backlash (keralakaumudi.com, english.mathrubhumi.com).
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4. Recent Developments
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Return to Kerala (March 2024): After three years, he was transferred back from Karnataka cadre and appointed SP (ICT) in Thiruvananthapuram (keralakaumudi.com).
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Present Posting: As of June 2025, he is serving as Deputy Commissioner, Cyber Crime Branch II, Bengaluru City Police (confirmed via his official Facebook updates) (facebook.com).
5. Controversies & Public Responses
5.1 COVID Lockdown Penalty
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The viral footage of lockdown violators forced into squats led to state-level censure from the CM and triggered an inquiry .
5.2 Protester's Allegation
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The Human Rights Commission case alleging assault during protests around LPG installation raised serious concerns .
5.3 Confrontation with Pon Radhakrishnan
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While celebrated by many, his firm tactics stirred backlash from certain political circles, leading to official letters pushing for his removal .
5.4 Thrissur Pooram Policing
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Criticized for heavy-handed restrictions during the festival, including road closures and forced dispersals, provoking public protests .
6. Personality & Personal Life
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Temperament: Known for calm stride under pressure, described himself: “I never get angry even to my subordinates… I leave work stress at office” (onmanorama.com).
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Fitness Enthusiast: A daily exercise regimen of one hour; participated in PM's Fitness Challenge (onmanorama.com).
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Food Habits: Vegetarian; avid yogurt, buttermilk, and ghee fan; enjoys Kerala sadhya (onmanorama.com).
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Family: Married Shyamala (college friend), with a son Vishrut. His parents live with them in Kerala, and the family speaks Malayalam. “At home, I am just an ordinary husband helping wife with cooking” (onmanorama.com).
7. Awards & Public Perception
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No formal government medals reported publicly, but Yathish Chandra commands respect for professional dedication, with a significant following on social media (e.g. ~16,900 YouTube subscribers) (wikidata.org).
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Media often labels him as an “honest cop” and “rock‑star officer”—reflecting public imagination around his persona (onmanorama.com).
8. Latest News (June 2025)
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Posting in Bengaluru: Currently serving as DCP, Cyber Crime Branch II, Bengaluru — he posted from Bangalore with fellow IPS officers, confirming his role (facebook.com).
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Kerala Transfer Redux: In June 2025, Govts are said to be planning another set of IPS reshuffles which could impact his posting, though no official update yet.
9. Top 5 Interesting Facts
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IT to IPS: Left a promising tech career (Motorola/Cognizant) to join IPS after clearing UPSC on the 3rd attempt .
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Viral Moment: His mop‑and‑bucket challenge with Pon Radhakrishnan at Sabarimala became part of popular culture (onmanorama.com).
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Fitness Challenge: Completed the PM‑endorsed fitness challenge and shared it nationwide .
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Language Learner: Taught himself fluent Malayalam on the job; admits regional expressions still trip him up .
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Family Man: Describes himself as a domestic partner who enjoys cooking with his wife—very un‑police stereotypical! .
10. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: When and where was Yathish Chandra born?
A: He was born on 8 November 1983 in Davanagere district, Karnataka .
Q2: What is his educational background?
A: Holds a B.E. in Electronics & Communication from Bapuji Institute of Engineering & Technology, Davanagere .
Q3: What is his current IPS posting?
A: As of June 2025, he serves as DCP, Cyber Crime Branch II, Bengaluru City Police .
Q4: Why did he gain national attention?
A: Following his firm yet courteous handling of Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan at Sabarimala, widely covered and praised by media .
Q5: Has he faced controversies?
A: Yes. Key controversies include COVID‑19 squats punishment, baton‑charging protesters (Angamaly, Puthuvype), and strict festival policing during Thrissur Pooram .
Q6: Is he married & does he have children?
A: Married to Shyamala Sarang (software engineer). They have one son, Vishrut. His parents live with them .
📝 Concluding Thoughts
Yathish Chandra G. H. stands out in contemporary Indian policing as a disciplined, fitness‑oriented IPS officer with a tech background. His assertive approach in law enforcement—whether during a festival like Thrissur Pooram or amid Sabarimala tensions—has sparked both admiration and debate. His personal touch—homely, fit, humorous—adds layers to his public image.
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