Telangana's Top Cop Charts New Course: Focus Shifts to Cybercrime, Traffic, and Food Safety

Hyderabad: Telangana's Director General of Police C.V. Anand convened a statewide video conference bringing together approximately 6,500 police officers at the Sub-Inspector rank and above to communicate a fresh set of departmental priorities.

The gathering underscored a significant recalibration in the state's policing approach. While the police force previously concentrated its efforts on Maoist-related activities and conventional criminal offences, the emerging landscape now demands attention to narcotics trafficking, cybercrime, and traffic management challenges.

Addressing the assembled officers, Anand emphasized that the police department must evolve its tactics and operational frameworks to align with shifting public expectations and contemporary security threats.

Specialized Units to Strengthen Enforcement

To operationalize these new priorities, the department plans to establish several specialized wings. A dedicated traffic and road safety division will be created, alongside a technology-focused unit designed to integrate modern policing innovations.

The Telangana Police will also launch a Vigilance and Enforcement Task Force aimed at plugging revenue leaks within the system. In response to growing health concerns, the department announced the formation of a specialized Anti-Food Adulteration unit to combat food contamination and address rising cancer incidence linked to food safety issues.

Operational Directives for Senior Leadership

Anand issued specific directives to district Superintendents of Police and Police Commissioners, mandating regular crime review sessions and frequent police station inspections. He stressed the need for intensified night patrolling operations and rapid response protocols for emergency calls received through the Dial 112 system.

The DGP introduced a community engagement framework requiring officers to dedicate two hours daily—from 3 pm to 5 pm—for public interaction and grievance redressal.

Foundation of Professional Policing

Central to his message was an emphasis on institutional values. Anand underscored that integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct form the bedrock of professional policing and public trust.

He identified Station House Officers as pivotal figures in departmental performance and delineated the specific responsibilities of supervisory personnel, including Sub-Inspectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police, and Additional Superintendents of Police.

The conference served as a platform for the DGP to articulate the department's strategic vision, operational priorities, and future direction to the entire police hierarchy in a single comprehensive communication.