Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar: A Proactive Leader Tackling Rising Crime
Hubballi, August 13, 2025 – Since taking charge as the Police Commissioner of Hubballi-Dharwad on July 3, 2024, N. Shashi Kumar, a 2007-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has emerged as a dynamic and people-centric leader, spearheading a robust crackdown on crime in the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad. His proactive strategies, hands-on approach, and community engagement have earned both praise and scrutiny as he works to restore safety in a region grappling with a troubling rise in criminal activities over the past three years. This report delves into Kumar’s tenure, initiatives, background, and the broader impact of his leadership.
Appointment and Background
N. Shashi Kumar, a native of Chitradurga, Karnataka, and a B.Sc. (Agriculture) graduate, was appointed as the Commissioner of Police for Hubballi-Dharwad on July 3, 2024, succeeding Renuka Sukumar, who was transferred to the role of Additional Inspector-General of Police (Crime) at Bengaluru Police Headquarters. Prior to this, Kumar served as the Deputy Inspector General of Police and Commissioner of the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department in Bengaluru. His earlier roles include Commissioner of Police for Mangaluru City, where he served for 26 months, earning acclaim for his people-friendly policing, as well as Superintendent of Police in Chikkamagaluru and Kalaburagi, and Deputy Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru’s North Sub-Division.
Kumar’s appointment came amid public outcry over high-profile crimes, including the murders of Neha Hiremath and Anjali Ambiger in early 2024, which raised questions about law enforcement efficacy in the twin cities. The state government upgraded the Commissioner’s post to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) cadre with Kumar’s appointment, signaling confidence in his ability to address the region’s challenges.
Tackling Rising Crime: A Proactive Approach
Since assuming office, Kumar has implemented a multi-pronged strategy to curb the rising crime rate in Hubballi-Dharwad, which had been tainted by murders, drug-related offenses, and public disturbances. His initiatives focus on area domination, community engagement, and stringent enforcement against anti-social elements. Key efforts include:
1. Crackdown on Rowdy Elements
Within days of taking charge, Kumar, alongside newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Mahaning Nandaganvi, launched a city-wide crackdown on rowdy-sheeters, drug peddlers, and public nuisance creators. Over 2,000 individuals, including ganja sellers, thieves, gamblers, and illegal moneylenders, were summoned to police stations and issued stern warnings. In one operation, 33 rowdy-sheeters and 17 members of the old Modus Operandi Bureau (MOB) were cautioned in Old Hubballi, while 20 rowdy-sheeters and 50 individuals consuming alcohol in public were booked in Keshwapur. Additionally, 158 people were charged under the Karnataka Police Act for public drinking in Dharwad’s suburban areas.
Kumar’s directive to police personnel to maintain distance from rowdy elements underscored his no-tolerance policy. The commissionerate has also begun updating records and photographs of drug peddlers and monitoring their activities closely.
2. Night Patrols on Moped
In a notable first for the region, Kumar led “area domination” patrols on mopeds and motorcycles on October 27, 2024, to deter anti-social elements and enhance police visibility. These patrols targeted areas prone to illegal activities, resulting in the detention of suspicious individuals and the seizure of bikes and cars. Kumar’s personal involvement in night rounds has instilled fear among criminals and boosted public confidence, with residents praising his hands-on approach.
3. Anti-Drug Campaigns
Recognizing the growing drug problem in Hubballi-Dharwad, Kumar initiated special drives to curb narcotics abuse, particularly ahead of New Year celebrations in December 2024. On August 5, 2024, the police subjected 467 suspected drug users to medical examinations at KMC Hospital, with 251 testing positive. Kumar told The Times of India that tracing drug consumers in a city of over 20 lakh people is a “big task,” but the commissionerate is committed to sustained action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. A dedicated helpline (94488 53853) was established for the public to report drug-related incidents, with Kumar assuring swift responses.
4. Community Engagement
Kumar has prioritized collaboration with the community to address crime holistically. In August 2024, he convened a high-profile meeting at JSS College in Dharwad, attended by hostel wardens, school principals, university officials, teachers, parents, and students. The meeting served as a platform to gather feedback and address concerns about public disturbances, particularly in hostels and educational institutions. Kumar urged attendees to report issues directly to him, promising immediate action, and emphasized a collective approach to safety.
5. Women’s Safety and Channamma Force
Following the murders of Neha Hiremath and Anjali Ambiger, Kumar revitalized the Channamma Force, a specialized unit focused on women’s safety. This initiative included increased vigilance in crime hotspots and targeted actions against offenders involved in eve-teasing, rape, and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) cases. On August 11, 2024, Kumar issued a public warning to such offenders, urging them to reform or face strict consequences.
6. Special Drives for Public Safety
On November 23, 2024, Kumar launched a special drive to enhance public safety, particularly for women, addressing police officials near Tuljabhavani Temple and Durgadbail. He emphasized proactive measures to create a secure environment. Additionally, Kumar personally inspected preparations for the Holi festival on March 12, 2025, at Chennamma and Rayanna Circles, ensuring peaceful celebrations in the twin cities.
Impact and Public Response
Kumar’s efforts have been commended by Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar for their diligence and effectiveness in curbing crime. The intensified crackdowns have reduced rowdy activities, drug-related offenses, and illegal money lending, with residents noting a perceptible improvement in public safety. His night patrols and direct engagement have earned him a reputation as an accessible and action-oriented leader, with social media posts praising his “visible policing” approach.
However, challenges remain. The twin cities’ large population and sprawling outskirts make sustained crime control difficult. Some critics argue that Kumar’s aggressive approach, particularly the summoning of over 2,000 individuals, risks alienating communities if not balanced with rehabilitation efforts. Others have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of mass warnings and patrols without addressing root causes like unemployment and drug addiction.
Broader Context: Hubballi-Dharwad’s Crime Challenges
Hubballi-Dharwad, a major commercial and educational hub in Karnataka, has seen a troubling rise in crime over the past three years, including murders, drug trafficking, and public disturbances. The murders of Neha Hiremath and Anjali Ambiger in 2024 sparked widespread protests and criticism of the previous police administration, prompting Kumar’s appointment. His predecessor, Renuka Sukumar, faced backlash from opposition leaders and local figures like Neha’s father, Niranjan Hiremath, a Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation councillor, who demanded a leadership change.
Kumar’s strategies align with the state government’s push to restore order, with the upgraded DIGP cadre post reflecting the urgency of the situation. His prior success in Mangaluru, where he implemented community-driven policing, has informed his approach in Hubballi-Dharwad, blending strict enforcement with public outreach.
Critical Perspective
Kumar’s tenure represents a shift toward proactive, visible policing, contrasting with the perceived lapses under previous leadership. His focus on women’s safety, drug control, and community engagement addresses immediate concerns while building public trust. However, the scale of Hubballi-Dharwad’s challenges—sprawling urban and rural areas, a large transient population, and socio-economic disparities—requires long-term strategies beyond crackdowns. Investments in rehabilitation programs, youth employment, and drug de-addiction centers could complement Kumar’s enforcement efforts, ensuring sustainable crime reduction.
Moreover, Kumar’s reliance on warnings and summons, while effective in creating deterrence, must be balanced with transparent processes to avoid perceptions of overreach. His emphasis on direct communication with the public is a strength, but scaling up community policing initiatives could further bridge the trust gap.
Looking Ahead
As Hubballi-Dharwad prepares for upcoming civic events and festivals, Kumar’s leadership will be tested in maintaining order while fostering community cooperation. His ongoing drives against narcotics and rowdyism, coupled with plans to verify weapons used in public (e.g., in viral social media videos), indicate a continued focus on preventive policing. The success of these initiatives will depend on coordination with other agencies, adequate resources, and sustained public support.
N. Shashi Kumar’s tenure as Police Commissioner has brought a renewed sense of purpose to Hubballi-Dharwad’s law enforcement. By combining rigorous enforcement with community engagement, he aims to transform the twin cities from crime hotspots into safer, more orderly communities. As his efforts unfold, residents and observers alike will watch closely to see if his vision for a secure Hubballi-Dharwad becomes a lasting reality.
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