Hubballi-Dharwad Police Chief Sets Sights on Drugs, Traffic, and Public Safety
New Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabrao prioritises drug control, traffic reform, and women's safety.
Borase Bhushan Gulabrao has officially taken charge as the Police Commissioner of Hubballi-Dharwad, succeeding N. Shashikumar. In his first address to the media on Thursday, he outlined a clear set of priorities, placing the fight against drug trafficking and the overhaul of traffic management at the top of his agenda.
Mr. Bhushan stated that he had already studied the city's specific policing needs and understood public expectations. He emphasised a team-based approach to maintaining peace and law and order. Recognising Hubballi-Dharwad as Karnataka's second-largest urban centre, he stressed the importance of a people-friendly police system, with a special focus on the safety of women and children and tackling the growing challenge of cybercrime.
Addressing the drug menace, the Commissioner described it as a national issue. He announced plans to identify and dismantle the drug networks operating in the region, drawing on his previous experience in Belagavi where police achieved notable success against such syndicates.
On the issue of urban traffic congestion, Mr. Bhushan revealed plans to collaborate with institutions like IIT Dharwad and other engineering colleges to recommend systemic improvements. He cited the success of strict enforcement of helmet and drunk-driving rules in Belagavi, which led to a reduction in accidents and fatalities. He advocated for a similar approach in Hubballi-Dharwad, while also calling for voluntary compliance from the public.
In a move to enhance public safety, Mr. Bhushan announced the formation of an anti-stabbing squad for the twin cities. This initiative, which proved effective in Belagavi, will involve checking suspicious individuals and registering cases under the Arms Act if weapons are found.
Clarifying the department's stance on enforcement, the Commissioner asserted that the police are not a revenue-generating body and that indiscriminate fines would not be tolerated. He outlined a plan to make traffic enforcement more transparent by mandating that fines be issued only under CCTV surveillance or while wearing body cameras. He also mentioned that he had previously restricted fine-related enforcement during peak congestion hours in Belagavi to ensure smooth traffic flow, a measure he intends to implement strictly here.
Deputy Commissioner of Police N.S. Shruthi and other senior officials were present at the event.