Telangana Police Honour Outgoing DGP Shivdhar Reddy at Retirement Ceremony

Hyderabad: The Telangana Police Academy hosted a formal retirement ceremony on Thursday for Police Commissioner Shivdhar Reddy, marked by full ceremonial honours and a guard of honour presented by the force.

At the event, Reddy reflected on the significant evolution policing has undergone during his career, noting that officers of his generation have been instrumental in driving these changes. He urged the younger generation of officers to embrace community-focused approaches to policing that respond to shifting public needs.

Reddy highlighted how Telangana Police shifted toward people-centric models following the state's formation, designed to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the public. He acknowledged that historical perceptions lingered—particularly the belief among sections of society that the police had played a role in suppressing the Telangana movement—which had created considerable mistrust.

To address these concerns, the department subsequently adopted friendly policing initiatives aimed at rebuilding public confidence. Yet this approach sparked debate about whether such measures might compromise the force's ability to tackle crime effectively. In response, Reddy introduced a citizen-centric policing framework during his tenure.

Over the past seven months leading his department, Reddy implemented this citizen-centric model systematically. The police force also rolled out a retreat programme designed to equip officers with skills to navigate emerging policing challenges and technological advancements.

Reddy cautioned officers against pursuing publicity-driven policing, emphasizing instead the importance of genuine public service. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for the opportunity to lead the force, and acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations that shaped his career trajectory.

Telangana Police Academy Director Abhilash Bisht and newly appointed DGP C.V. Anand were present at the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, Reddy shared reflections on social media about his seven-month term, citing the overwhelming support he received from Telangana's citizens and police personnel at all ranks, from home guards to IPS officers. He commended the dedication of the force in upholding law and order and safeguarding public welfare. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that Telangana would maintain its trajectory of growth anchored in peace, communal harmony, and effective governance.