Hyderabad, November 13: Senior IPS officer Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat on Friday assumed charge as the new Commissioner of Police of Hyderabad, succeeding V. C. Sajjanar. After taking charge, Bhagwat outlined his priorities, stating that maintaining law and order, ensuring women’s safety, combating cybercrime and strengthening basic policing would receive top priority.
Addressing a press conference, the new Commissioner said that a safe and secure environment was essential for Hyderabad’s continued growth and economic development. Strong law and order would attract greater investments to the city, while ensuring that every citizen feels safe and free remains the primary responsibility of the Government and the Police Department.
He said Hyderabad has a team of experienced police officers and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to maintain the city’s reputation as a ‘Safe City’. All officers would work together as a cohesive team to strengthen public confidence in the police.
Special ‘Jail Release Watch’ to Curb Organised Crime
Announcing a series of measures to prevent organised crime, gang rivalries and retaliatory attacks, Bhagwat said a specialised ‘Jail Release Watch’ mechanism would be introduced to monitor individuals released from prisons.
The system will integrate prison release information with T-SPARK and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) to help police keep track of potential repeat offenders.
Intelligence will be gathered through local police stations, the Special Branch and community networks to identify individuals involved in retaliatory attacks and other criminal activities. Based on the information collected, police will initiate fresh bind-over proceedings, seek financial sureties and open rowdy sheets against those requiring close monitoring.
He said immediate arrests would be ensured in heinous offences such as murder. Special attention would also be given to preventing first-time offenders from returning to criminal activities. The new provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) would be effectively utilised to tackle organised crime.
PD Act to Be Invoked Against Habitual Offenders
The Commissioner announced strict enforcement of the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against habitual offenders and accused involved in commercial-quantity drug cases involving 20 kg or more.
Such offenders would be dealt with firmly, with detention measures aimed at keeping them behind bars for periods ranging from eight months to one year, subject to applicable legal provisions.
He also stressed the need to improve the quality of investigations in drug-related cases through the EAGLE wing. In coordination with the concerned Magistrates and the Metropolitan Sessions Judge, drug cases would be moved to Fast Track Courts wherever applicable.
Dedicated monitoring of trials would be undertaken to ensure effective prosecution and secure convictions in pending cases.
More Police Patrolling During Evening and Night Hours
Emphasising the importance of basic policing, Bhagwat said he would first hold meetings with Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) to understand the challenges and priorities of different police divisions.
He also announced plans to visit every police station in Hyderabad to assess local problems and review policing practices.
Pointing out that criminal activities tend to increase during evening hours, the Commissioner directed police personnel to move out of police stations and actively patrol roads and vulnerable locations.
Night patrolling would be strictly monitored, with morning feedback reviews introduced to assess the effectiveness of the previous night’s policing arrangements.
He made it clear that police personnel involved in illegal extortion would face criminal cases in addition to departmental disciplinary action.
Strict Action Against Land Mafia and Document Forgery
Addressing the increasing number of violent incidents arising from land disputes, Bhagwat said rising property values had contributed to conflicts and criminal activities in several areas.
He said complaints involving civil disputes that are presented as criminal cases would be examined transparently and carefully. His experience, along with the legal opinions of a dedicated team of legal advisors, would help ensure that such cases are handled in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner also warned of stringent action against gangs involved in forging land documents and death certificates.
Hired killers, interstate criminal gangs, ATM burglars and individuals involved in crimes against households, including offences committed by domestic workers, would remain under close police surveillance.
Mahesh Bhagwat’s Previous Experience in Hyderabad
Recalling his previous assignments in Hyderabad, Bhagwat said this was his third stint serving in the city.
Before 2004, he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Zone) under Commissioners R.P. Singh and Dinesh Reddy.
In late 2010, he returned to Hyderabad and served as Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration) for two years, followed by approximately seven to eight months as Joint Commissioner of Police (Special Branch).
During his subsequent career, he served as Commissioner of Police of Rachakonda and worked in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a year. He also held responsibilities in the Railways and Road Safety departments.
Later, he served as Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) and held responsibilities at the Director General rank for approximately two years and five months.
With his extensive experience across different police wings and administrative assignments, Bhagwat said his immediate focus would be strengthening policing at the grassroots level, improving crime prevention and ensuring the safety of Hyderabad’s residents.
The new Commissioner’s announcement signals a renewed emphasis on preventive policing, technology-driven crime monitoring, effective investigations and accountability within the police force.
