Polavarapu Venkata Sesha Naga Mallikarjuna Rao, Assistant Commandant of the Andhra Pradesh Special Protection Force (APSPF), has been awarded the prestigious Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service. The Government of India announced the honour on the occasion of Republic Day, January 2026. The award recognises his 36 years of disciplined and dedicated service.
Early Life and Education
Mallikarjuna Rao is a native of Gudlavalleru in Krishna district. He spent his childhood and schooling years in Gudivada. He later completed his higher education in Vijayawada. From an early age, he showed strong discipline and commitment, which later shaped his career in the uniformed services.
Beginning of a Distinguished Career
His service career began in 1989 with training in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. After completing training, he served in several ITBP units. His postings included Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh. During this phase, he gained valuable experience in paramilitary operations.
Service in Andhra Pradesh Special Protection Force
In September 1993, Mallikarjuna Rao joined the Andhra Pradesh Special Protection Force on permanent deputation from the ITBP. Since then, he has served in multiple sensitive and high-security locations. His assignments included the DG SPF Headquarters in Hyderabad, IDPL, and the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
He also worked at major power projects and religious institutions. These included KTPS Palvancha, RTPP Kalamala, and TTD Tirumala. His service further extended to ONGC Rajahmundry and security units in Kadapa, Rajahmundry, and Vijayawada.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Mallikarjuna Rao played an important role in securing vital infrastructure. He served at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry airports. He also worked at GPP Vijayawada. In addition, he handled administrative duties as the Drawing and Disbursing Officer and Administrative Officer at the Vijayawada Zone Commandant’s Office.
Currently, he is serving as the Chief Security Officer of the Andhra Pradesh State Secretariat. He oversees security at one of the state’s most important administrative centres.
Awards and Service Recognition
Throughout his career, Mallikarjuna Rao has received wide recognition for his service. He has been awarded 27 cash rewards and 17 good service entries. He has also received eight commendations and four official appreciations.
Earlier honours include the AP Police Seva Medal in 2006 and the AP Uttama Seva Medal in 2013. The Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service marks a major milestone in his career.
Congratulations from APSPF and Secretariat Officials
Senior officials of the APSPF expressed their happiness over the award. The Director General, Inspector General, Commandants, officers, and staff congratulated him warmly. Officials of the AP Secretariat also praised his dedication and leadership. They described the honour as well-deserved and inspirational for younger officers.
For the latest updates, click here.
