Mr A M Prasad took charge as the new Inspector General of Police (Western Range) on Wednesday.
Speaking to media persons soon after taking charge at the IGP’s office here, he said that strengthening the intelligence network in the entire Western Range (comprising Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Karwar and Chikmagalur district) would help in curbing the naxal menace and terrorist activities. “How to improve intelligence network in the entire Western Range and coastal areas would be top priority,” said Mr Prasad, who was serving as the deputy director of Intelligence Bureau in Delhi before being promoted as the IGP. Mr Prasad, who also served in the Jammu and Kashmir region for about two-and-a-half years in the intelligence bureau, opined that a good network of intelligence can reduce the collateral damage.
“We require good co-operation from the members of the public,” he said and stressed the importance of improving confidence of people in police.
When queried about the rise in naxal activities in the Western Range (killing of a person a month ago and burning a bus last week in Agumbe), Mr Prasad said he would hold a detailed discussion with the officials before making any comment on the problems of the region.
Rowdy squad
Mr Prasad also said that he would take steps to control rowdism, illegal activities and communal violence.
“A special squad or a dedicated team may be formed for the purpose,” he hinted.
Former DK SP
It may be recalled that the 1985-batch IPS officer, Mr Prasad, served as the superintendent of police in Dakshina Kannada 10 years ago.
During the 22 years of his service in the police department, Mr Prasad served as the Superintendent of Police for Dakshina Kannada, Tumkur, Mysore, Chamarajanagar and Deputy Commissioner of Police in Bangalore, before being deputed to the intelligence bureau of the Central government where he served for about 9 years. Superintendent of Police Satish Kumar H, Additional SP B S Lokesh Kumar, Puttur ASP Dr Harsha and other senior police officers were present.
Mr A M Prasad’s predecessor, H S Satyanarayana Rao has been transferred to Davangere as the IGP (Eastern Range).