Bengaluru: “Making Bengaluru a safe city in all respects will be my top priority,” said T. Suneel Kumar, who took charge as the city’s new Police Commissioner on Monday evening.
After the formal baton exchange, Mr. Kumar took charge as the city police chief from Praveen Sood. Previously, he was ADGP & Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation Ltd.
Mr. Kumar had to face several questions over the unexpected transfer and his posting as the Police Commissioner. He replied that even he was equally surprised by the state government’s move.
When questioned if Mr Sood’s stiff action against Kannada activists led to his transfer, he said, “It is the decision of the government and I cannot comment on that,” said Mr Kumar.
“But I would like to say that language is not an issue for us, as we (officers) have been living in Karnataka for decades,” he added.
Further, he said that maintaining law & order, prevention and detection of crime, women and child safety and curbing illegal activities would be his top priority.
“I will require a few days to understand the city better and will take measures to improve the system. I will continue the good projects my predecessors have implemented and will also bring in new schemes when needed.”
On the increasing chain snatching incidents in the city, he opined that earlier only local residents used to commit such offences but now more inter-state offenders are involved in such acts.
“There is a jump in chain snatching incidents. We will take necessary steps to bring down such incidents,” he added.
Earlier, outgoing commissioner Praveen Sood said that it was his privilege to work as Bengaluru city Police Commissioner.
“In the short tenure, I have brought the citizens closer to policemen through various projects like Namma 100, Suraksha App, Pink Hoysalas, social media, etc.”
Know your new City Commissioner
ADGP T. Suneel Kumar, who has a Master’s Degree in Horticulture, is an IPS officer of 1989 batch. Hailing from Chitoor in Andhra Pradesh, he has experience of working as Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) in Bengaluru city for around two and a half years. He was heading the Internal Security Division, Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force and Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, besides working in different positions in various capacities.
