Hyderabad’s jurisdiction has recently expanded to include several important government institutions and strategic installations. How has that changed your priorities?

Almost all important installations are now with us, from RGIA to Begumpet Airport to the High Court, Secretariat, Ministers’ Quarters and several other key establishments. Earlier, there were coordination issues. Now, having all these institutions under one Commissionerate will result in better coordination and better focus. From the public’s perspective also, it is beneficial. Administratively, it is a very good move.

What are your top priorities as the top cop of the capital city?

Drugs and food adulteration continue to be on the top of our agenda. Hyderabad is densely populated. The drug menace has become a serious concern. Because of the work done by EAGLE, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing and various police units, there has been a significant impact. We have disrupted supply chains and are focusing on both supply and demand. The second priority is cyber crime. Hyderabad being a major IT and commercial hub faces enormous challenges in this area. We estimate that citizens are losing almost ₹1 crore every day to cyber fraud. The third priority is traffic management and maintenance of law and order. Hyderabad hosts numerous festivals and public events throughout the year, so maintaining peace and ensuring smooth traffic movement remain major responsibilities. Food adulteration has also become one of our important focus areas because of its direct impact on public health.

You mentioned drugs. How significant is the problem currently?

It remains a concern. Today, when our officers investigate street crimes or night-time offences, they invariably check whether the accused is carrying or has consumed drugs. In many cases, we find drug addiction is involved. We will continue curbs on the suppliers to eradicate the supply chain. Enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. That is why we have focused on de-addiction as well.

Hyderabad recently established multiple de-addiction centres. How important are they to the overall strategy?

Very important. Across the country, de-addiction centres exist, but Hyderabad has organised a network of 33 centres. We are probably the first city to create such an extensive network. Parents frequently approach us seeking help for their children. These centres are becoming an important component of our strategy. Unless all stakeholders work together, including families, health professionals and government agencies, this issue cannot be solved.

Cyber crime continues to rise across the country?

Cyber crime is not purely a policing issue. It is an ecosystem issue. People often think police alone can solve it, but there are several stakeholders involved. Banks are stakeholders. Telecom operators are stakeholders. Internet service providers are stakeholders. Regulatory authorities are stakeholders. If there are no mule accounts, cyber crime becomes difficult. If there are no fraudulent SIM cards, cyber crime becomes difficult. Breaking this ecosystem is the key. Simply arresting individuals will not stop cyber crime. We need systemic interventions.

Hyderabad police’s food adulteration drives received widespread attention. Why was the issue prioritised?

Public health was being affected significantly. Food adulteration is not merely a regulatory issue. It directly impacts society. For a healthy society and healthy economic growth, food safety is essential. That is why food adulteration remains one of our priorities. We are also working with the government to examine legal changes that can strengthen enforcement.

Traffic remains one of the biggest public complaints in Hyderabad. Where do you see the biggest challenges?

Vehicles continue to increase in the city. New residential and commercial complexes are coming up. And we continue to upgrade our systems. Public cooperation is equally important alongside enforcement. Wrong-side driving, indiscipline and disregard for traffic rules continue despite repeated enforcement drives. Ultimately, a cultural change is required.

Do infrastructure projects offer hope for reducing congestion?

Certainly. The flyovers, underpasses and other infrastructure projects being executed under the Hyderabad-City Innovative and Transformative Infrastructure (H-CITI) Project, a brainchild of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, will provide significant relief. Areas around KBR Park and several major corridors are expected to benefit. Once they are operational they should reduce congestion considerably.

You often speak about technology. How do you see artificial intelligence being used in policing?

Aritifical Intelligence (AI) has enormous potential. Crime analysis, crime prediction, monitoring habitual offenders, identifying criminal associates and analysing patterns are all areas where AI can help. We are making better use of best-available technology. CCTV integration is important we are closely working on.

How are crimes against women being addressed?

Crimes against women continue to remain among my top priorities. We have increased visibility through dedicated teams and greater deployment of women police personnel in important duties. Now, Women are feeling secure enough to approach the police whenever required. Another important area is prosecution. Registering a case is only the beginning. Taking it to a logical conclusion is equally important. Hyderabad is one of the safest cities in the world for women. Spandana, a first-of-its-kind initive launched by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, is a great project for safety of women in the citt.

What is the larger lesson from all these challenges?

Whether it is drugs, cyber crime, traffic management or food adulteration, every problem has an ecosystem behind it. No single agency can solve these issues independently. The solution lies in bringing together all stakeholders and ensuring coordinated action. Only then can long-term results be achieved.