Preventive policing, neutralisation of narcotics trade are key priorities: DGP Jitender  

New Telangana DGP Jitender focuses on law and order, drug crackdown, and cybercrime prevention with tech-savvy approach.

A week into his role as the Director-General of Police for Telangana, Jitender said that his first priority is maintenance of law and order. Crackdown against sale and distribution of narcotics and implementing preventive policing with increased visibility, also rank high on his priority list. Born in Ferozepur in Punjab, the 1992-batch IPS officer has served as the Principal Secretary to Government in the Home Department. The top police official shared how he plans to bring back Hyderabad’s night life and dwelt on the concerns about cybercrimes while speaking to Naveen Kumar and Lavpreet Kaur. 

In the backdrop of rise in crime in the city and citizens’ comments about ‘rogue policing’, what would be your approach in the months to come?  

We will be following the principle of polite and firm policing. Telangana police are friendly but for only the law-abiding citizens. While cases are being booked, our focus is preventive policing. Speaking of the surge in murder cases, a perception has been created while the numbers tell a different story. You see, the number of murders in the first half of 2024 is equal or rather slightly less than that of last year. Murders are not increasing; the hype around them surely is. I would request the public to have their faith and trust in the police. We will do our best to ensure their safety and security.  

Hyderabad’s nightlife has hit a roadblock. Are there plans to bring it back?  

I understand the impact this has on the image of Hyderabad, and we are also aware about the concerns around this on the social media platforms. I can assure you that we are in talks with the government and will soon come up with a conscious policy to balance both the shine and safety of the city. Discussions are ongoing to chalk out an elaborate plan on this front.  

Is the current capacity of the police force adequate to enforce the new criminal laws?