Interview: ‘Khaki Kids’ to ‘Police Akka’, how Adilabad SP Akhil Mahajan is innovating community policing

Adilabad: Adilabad, the northernmost district of Telangana, presents a unique and complex landscape for law enforcement.

Defined by its rich forest cover, diverse tribal population, primarily comprising the Gond and Lambada communities, and strategic location along the National Highway 44, the district faces a distinct set of challenges ranging from socio-political frictions to illegal smuggling networks.

In an exclusive interview with the NewsMeter, the Adilabad Superintendent of Police, Akhil Mahajan, IPS, discusses the department’s proactive measures, the shift toward stern community policing against crimes and ongoing efforts to transform the district’s safety profile.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

NewsMeter: As the Superintendent of Police, what do you see as the most unique policing challenge in Adilabad compared to other districts in Telangana?

Akhil Mahajan: The most unique challenge here is the prevalence of local ‘rowdyism’. We have seen small gangs operating under the guise of social service, collecting money from businessmen and doctors to fund local activities like distributing food in hospitals, and to build a favourable image.

The ‘Tiger Group of Maharashtra’ was also quite active here, but we have registered numerous cases against them, and the issue is currently on the decline, with their major leader now in jail.

Additionally, we have a mix of 45-55 per cent Hindu-Muslim population, which requires us to be constantly alert regarding communal sensitivities, whether it is eve-teasing or reactions to sensitive film screenings.

NM: The district has occasionally seen intense socio-political friction between the Adivasi and Lambada communities regarding ST reservation rights. How does the police department proactively monitor and defuse these tensions?

Akhil Mahajan: We have been focusing heavily on community-based policing to bridge this divide. We conduct regular outreach programs, medical camps in remote Gond villages where populations are small, and infrastructure is limited and job melas.

For instance, in our recent job mela, about 7,000 tribal youth participated and 2,100 received job offers.

We are also planning to install RO water plants in five villages to address health issues like fluorosis. Our ‘Mee Kosam’ program, where Circle Inspectors regularly visit villages to build rapport and create awareness, is helping us maintain harmony.

NM: Cyber fraud is a growing concern. Does Adilabad have the technical infrastructure to handle the rising wave of cyber complaints?

Akhil Mahajan: We have a dedicated, well-trained team that works on cyber issues. We have sent our personnel for training in Hyderabad, Lucknow and Assam. Our teams are actively tracking and apprehending fraudsters by visiting states like Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Beyond detection, we launched a program called ‘Khaki Kids.’ We train constables in cyber awareness and traffic rules, who then visit schools to present to students. We designate these students as ‘Cyber Warriors’ and give them badges, tasking them with conveying these safety lessons to their parents and relatives to prevent future fraud.

NM: NH-44 sees massive interstate heavy vehicle traffic, leading to fatal accidents. What is the police doing to curb this?

Akhil Mahajan: Road safety is a top priority. We have identified 15 black spots on the National Highway. We have installed signboards using our own funds and ITDA support, and we have implemented BT rumble strips.

In one location called Kupti Ghat, we placed a damaged car on an iron ramp as a visual deterrent to scare drivers into slowing down.

We also have a target of 50 speed challans daily. Furthermore, we increased our drunk driving checks significantly, from about 1,200 cases in 2024 to nearly 12,000 in 2025. These efforts are showing results; we have already seen a reduction in fatal accidents this year.

NM: How are you handling the issue of timber smuggling and ganja cultivation in the district?

Akhil Mahajan: We are taking very stern action. Regarding timber smuggling, we are monitoring the Multani tribe in Ichoda, who are historically a de-notified tribe. We have invoked the PD Act against repeat offenders, including a former sarpanch.

Regarding drugs, we registered 230 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) cases last year. We are also cracking down on ganja cultivation; we recovered roughly 3,500 plants from farm fields and have written to the government to cancel the ‘Rythu Bharosa’ benefits of 60 farmers who were found growing ganja.

NM: What safety measures are being taken regarding women’s safety in the district?

Akhil Mahajan: I am a strong advocate for stern policing and women’s safety. We launched the ‘Police Akka’ program, where one woman constable is identified for each mandal. She visits three schools and one village weekly to educate girls on good touch/bad touch, online harassment and stalking.

In the last three months, this proactive approach led to the remand of five teachers, two hostel wardens and other individuals who harassed girls. We have also installed cameras in 180-190 public buses throughout the district to deter molestation, though the formal inauguration is pending.

NM: Finally, what is your top priority or vision for the Adilabad police force for the rest of the year?

Akhil Mahajan: My top priorities, in order, are road safety, women’s safety and curbing the ganja menace. We have sufficient staff and infrastructure following last year’s recruitment. So, we are well-positioned to focus on these areas with stern, proactive enforcement.