I'm gonna get you: DG to criminals on Day 1

Ensuring peaceful general elections is top on the agenda for Khandwawala

Courteous to his boots, new director general of police, Shabbir Hussain Shekhadam Khandwawala, 58, charmed his way into his new position and office on the first day amid greetings that poured on him from peers, subordinates, junior officers as well as others.

However, what belied the glib surface was a toughened cop's determination about the several agendas that he has already lined up for action in the near future.

A 1973 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Khandwawala appeared totally in contrast with other DGs so far. Known for his affability, he is popular for his approachability among peers and subordinates, a sample of which was seen even on Tuesday, when irrespective of rank, he stood up to greet every single person who had come to wish him on his new appointment. 

Asked if he was comfortable in the new assignment, Khandwawala replied almost instantaneously: “I have been in Police Bhavan for eight years handling different responsibilities.”

But coming down to brass tacks, the top cop outlined the many agendas he has envisaged to accomplish. “Among the main agendas as the DGP of the state, ensuring a peaceful general elections, tackling terrorism, control on criminal activities and excellent police-public relationship are my priorities,” said Khandwawala, exclusively to DNA. “There are several plans to initiate these activities; but, of course, my seniors have earlier done a lot in this direction,” he said.

Elaborating his agenda as the state police head, Khandwawala said: “The immediate biggest challenge is conducting peaceful general elections in the state.” 

Stating that he wants to improve the police-public relation in the long run, he said, “I want to project a more humane face of the police. People today distrust police officials; this trend needs to change. They should be comfortable while approaching a cop,” the senior police officer said.

The top cop is equally concerned about the welfare of the force he heads. Among the number of schemes that have been lined up for their welfare, Khandwawala mentioned a scheme which has already been implemented for the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). Under this scheme every constable will donate Rs20 every month from his salary. In case one of them meets with an unfortunate accident, the district police head will give Rs50,000 from this fund, he said.

Another scheme includes tree plantation, where local police at district levels will provide resources and help to citizens plant saplings and take care of them. “Suggestion for welfare of the force and better police-public relationship are already pouring in from my colleagues,” Khandwawala said.

Roxy Gadgeker & Amit Arora/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication

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