‘Thank You, Hyderabad’: Sajjanar bids emotional farewell as Police Commissioner, recalls key reforms

Sajjanar thanked the State government and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for providing him the opportunity to serve as Commissioner of Police of the historic city. He also congratulated his successor, senior IPS officer Mahesh Bhagwat, who assumed charge as Hyderabad Police Commissioner on November 13.

Reflecting on his tenure, Sajjanar said the affection and cooperation extended by Hyderabad's residents had been invaluable. He particularly appreciated the public's willingness to embrace policing reforms and participate in initiatives aimed at improving safety, security and civic responsibility. Describing Hyderabad as a symbol of communal harmony, he praised residents for celebrating religious festivals peacefully and maintaining the city's tradition of coexistence.

Among the major initiatives highlighted in his farewell message was the crackdown on food adulteration through H-FAST, an enforcement initiative targeting the manufacture and distribution of unsafe food products. Sajjanar said police teams had seized substantial quantities of adulterated food and taken action against those responsible. He acknowledged the cooperation of Food Safety Department officials in carrying out these operations.

Cybercrime prevention was another important focus of his tenure. Sajjanar recalled the launch of Operation Octopus, an initiative involving coordination among police agencies, banks and the Department of Telecommunications to combat cyber-enabled offences. He said the Union government and the Union Home Secretary had appreciated the Hyderabad Police's recommendations, describing the recognition as a collective achievement of the city police force.

To improve the quality and timeliness of criminal investigations, Sajjanar introduced an Investigation Monitoring Cell, intended to strengthen supervision of cases and help victims receive timely justice. He also highlighted the Day with CP programme, which brought government school students into closer contact with the police to reduce fear of law enforcement and encourage civic awareness among young people.

On traffic management, Sajjanar cited the implementation of the long-awaited one-way traffic arrangement around KBR Park as a significant achievement. He credited the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Commissioner and other officials for their cooperation in introducing the system, which was designed to ease congestion in the busy surrounding areas.

Women's safety also featured prominently in his farewell message. Sajjanar recalled the introduction of Spandana vehicles, aimed at strengthening the police response to concerns involving the safety and protection of women.

Recognising the demanding nature of police service, he highlighted initiatives introduced for the welfare and motivation of personnel. The Extra Mile programme was designed to acknowledge outstanding performance, while the Grand Health Challenge focused on encouraging better health and well-being among police employees.

Sajjanar reserved special appreciation for the personnel who worked throughout his tenure, often sacrificing time with their families to maintain law and order. He thanked officers and staff across the law and order, traffic, City Armed Reserve, Task Force, Central Crime Records Bureau, Special Branch, administration and other departments, acknowledging contributions ranging from home guards to additional commissioners.

He also expressed gratitude to the Director General of Police, senior officials and representatives of the print and electronic media for their guidance, cooperation and support.

In an emotional conclusion, Sajjanar wished police personnel and their families good health and happiness, while expressing hope that Hyderabad's residents would continue to live in peace and security.

His farewell message reflected both professional satisfaction and personal attachment to the city, with the outgoing Commissioner choosing to remember his tenure through the reforms undertaken, the dedication of his colleagues and the support extended by Hyderabad's citizens.

Concluding with Jai Hind, Sajjanar signed off as Hyderabad Police Commissioner, carrying what he described as a heart full of cherished memories.