T’gana DGP vows smooth conduct of local elections

Telangana’s newly appointed Director General of Police (DGP), Shivadhar Reddy, has assured that the upcoming local body elections in the state will be conducted efficiently and peacefully. He took charge at the DGP office in Lakdikapul on Wednesday and briefly addressed the media afterward, touching on several key issues.

Shivadhar Reddy called for Maoists to integrate into mainstream society and emphasized the need to quickly fill vacant positions within the police department. He outlined plans to build a strong, skilled team by appointing personnel with expertise in specialized units. “Rather than focusing solely on the number of police stations, enhancing the skills of our personnel is more important. We will leverage technology to improve field-level performance,” he said.

Tough stance on Maoists Addressing the challenges posed by Maoists, Shivadhar Reddy acknowledged recent signs that some were moving away from armed struggle but noted that their ideology remains largely impractical. “It’s good for them to join mainstream life. We will support those willing to change, but we will not tolerate attempts to harm the public,” he stated. He also assured that all arrangements are underway to ensure peaceful elections and that strict measures will be taken to prevent any untoward incidents during the polls.

Challenges ahead for the DGP While Maoist activity in Telangana is limited, occasional operations are reported in border areas and districts like Khammam, Warangal, and Karimnagar. The central government has launched Operation Kagar to eliminate Maoist presence nationwide, and Telangana police are part of these efforts.

In addition to Maoist threats, the state faces growing cybercrime and drug abuse challenges. Despite awareness campaigns by police, media, and experts, cyber fraud continues to affect citizens. Similarly, the state has seen increased drug use, prompting Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to launch the “Eagle” initiative to tackle this issue - another priority for the DGP.

Expectations and plans Although Shivadhar Reddy faces multiple challenges as the new DGP, officials believe his experience and strategic approach can strengthen the police force. With public support and a committed team, he is expected to maintain law and order effectively. Shivadhar Reddy shared his plans to modernize the police department, enhance training, fill vacant positions, and deploy technology for better operational efficiency.

Aiming for safer Telangana Under Shivadhar Reddy’s leadership, the Telangana Police are preparing to enhance public safety and maintain peace. By promoting skill development, technological integration, and peaceful dialogue with Maoists willing to renounce violence, the department aims to establish lasting stability in the state. Overall, Shivadhar Reddy’s initiatives are seen as crucial steps toward a modern, efficient, and secure police force capable of sustaining law and order in Telangana.