8,000 Road accident deaths a year: Telangana DGP calls for smarter, technology-driven policing
While Telangana records around 900 murders annually, nearly 8,000 people lose their lives each year in road accidents
By - Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B Shivadhar Reddy has expressed grave concern over the alarming number of road accident fatalities in the state, stressing that road safety must become a top policing priority.
While Telangana records around 900 murders annually, nearly 8,000 people lose their lives each year in road accidents, he pointed out.
The DGP directed all district police units to intensify night patrolling, conduct drunk-driving checks, hold awareness campaigns, and form District Road Safety Committees to reduce fatalities.
‘Fair, Firm, Friendly, and Professional Policing’
Addressing a meeting of senior police officers at the DGP office, Shivadhar Reddy reiterated the core philosophy of “Fair, Firm, Friendly and Professional Policing”, describing it as the foundation of modern law enforcement.
Explaining the fourfold motto, he said fair policing ensures justice and equality before law; firm policing upholds the rule of law without fear or favour; friendly policing fosters trust and empathy among citizens; and professional policing reflects integrity, competence, and discipline.
“This fourfold motto defines the spirit of modern policing — humane in approach, yet uncompromising in ethics and efficiency,” he said.
Focus on Community and Core Policing
The DGP emphasised that basic policing functions, including patrolling, surveillance, crime prevention, and community engagement, must remain the operational backbone of the Telangana Police.
“Our success is measured not by crime figures but by the confidence and trust of the public,” he remarked.
Harnessing Technology and Innovation
Highlighting the importance of innovation, Shivadhar Reddy said artificial intelligence and modern digital tools can significantly improve efficiency in crime prevention, investigation, and administration.
He urged officers to focus on intelligence-led policing and swift response mechanisms, especially in cases involving heinous crimes, cyber offences, and narcotics.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption and Misconduct
Asserting that internal integrity is non-negotiable, the DGP declared “zero tolerance” for corruption and misconduct, and directed strict disciplinary action and performance monitoring at all levels.
He also called for inter-departmental coordination during elections, disaster management, and public safety operations to ensure smooth functioning and effective crisis response.
Protection of Vulnerable Sections
Reiterating the force’s commitment to public welfare, Shivadhar Reddy urged officers to prioritise cases involving women, children, and weaker sections, ensuring scientific and technology-driven investigation methods.
Concluding the meeting, he said, “We cannot demand discipline from society if we do not uphold it within our own ranks. We wear a uniform that commands respect — let us also conduct ourselves in a manner that earns it every single day.”
Election and Training Updates
Additional DGP (Law & Order) Mahesh M. Bhagwat briefed officers on arrangements for the Jubilee Hills by-election and upcoming local body elections, while Additional DGP (Training) V.V. Srinivas Rao announced that training for the new batch of DSPs will commence on October 27 at the RBVRR Telangana State Police Academy.
Senior officers Swati Lakra, Charu Sinha, Anil Kumar, Sanjay Kumar Jain, Vijay Kumar (ADGP, Intelligence), and Commissioners V.C. Sajjanar (Hyderabad), Sudheer Babu (Rachakonda), and Avinash Mohanty (Cyberabad) attended the meeting.
