Pachau takes charge as State police chief

Lalrokhuma Pachau took charge as the DG&IGP (concurrent charge) of the State on Thursday. The baton was handed over to him by A R Infant, the outgoing DG&IGP (concurrent charge). 

Addressing his colleagues before the ceremony to hand over the charge, Infant termed his nearly 30-year service in the State “most rewarding.” 

”It has been a gratifying career for me. I have no regrets when I look back. There were some ups and downs in my career as well. I thank the department and all my colleagues for their cooperation and support,” he said. 

Infant said the last six months of his career were important as there was turmoil. He had to move courts seeking justice, Infant said and described Pachau as an honest and upright officer.

Receiving the baton, Pachau said it was a homecoming for him. He is returning to his parent cadre after four and a half years. He thanked the Karnataka government for trusting him and appointing him the DG&IGP (concurrent charge).

He said he was proud to head the 80,000-strong State police department.“Karnataka police is one of the best in the country and has  many honest officers. I will try hard to keep the Karnataka flag always flying high with the cooperation of all my officers. I will stress on unity among the officers to ensure we work as a team towards certain missions,” he said.

Pachau’s priorities

“Redressing traffic-related grievances in Bangalore City, ensuring better prevention and detection of crime and maintaining law and order in the State will be my top priorities,” Pachau told Deccan Herald after taking charge.

“I will study the problems and the challenges of the police department and act accordingly. I need some time as I was away from Karnataka,” he said.

“There are certain shortcomings in the department. We can think of a few new ways to tackle them,” he said. “Better policing will be my top priority.”

Asked whether he supported the idea of special training for the police to handle threats from terror groups and possible terrorist attacks, Pachau said: “At present, I don’t see any need for special training. There are already the special branch and intelligence wing.

We constantly share vital information with Central agencies like the Intelligence Bureau. However, we may require special training and we will take a decision if the need arises,” he said.

Profile

Pachau was born on May 1, 1955 and will retire on March 1, 2015 if appointed the full-fledged DG&IGP. He will be in office for two years and nine months. He has bagged meritorious service medal, the President’s distinguished service medal and the Mizoram Police Special Duty Medal. 

He has undergone various training programme in the country and abroad, including the training in human resources management from Wollongong University, Australia.

Elevated to DGP rank

Om Prakash, who was ADGP (Grievances and Human Rights), Bangalore, and M N Reddy, the ADGP and MD of Karnataka Police Housing Corporation, have been elevated to the DGP rank. Prakash has been transferred as Commandant General, Home Guards and Director, Civil Defence and Director, Fire Force, Bangalore. Reddy has been given additional charge of the post of KPHC chairman.