LT. Gen B.K. Chengappa today took over as General Officer in Command of Andhra , Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala at a solemn ceremony at the Area Headquarters in Chennai. Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in 1971, Lt Gen Chengappa, has had a illustrious career spanning 38 yeard during which he has held various prestigious command and instructional appointments.<br/><br/> Later speaking to newsmen, he said he will work in close co-operation with the state governments and other security agencies to ensure proper security in the southern states.