Senior IPS officer V.C. Sajjanar, known in Telangana as an “encounter specialist,” has officially taken charge as the new Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad. He replaces C.V. Anand, who has now been posted as Principal Secretary, Home Department.
A 1996 batch IPS officer, Sajjanar first came into the limelight in 2008 during the Warangal acid attack case, where three accused were shot dead in a police encounter. That incident gave him the reputation of being a tough officer. Later as Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, he became widely known for his handling of the 2019 Disha rape and murder case. The nation was shaken when a young veterinarian was brutally raped and killed near Shadnagar.
Days later, the four accused were gunned down at Chatanpally during what police described as a “crime scene reconstruction.” While many celebrated the action as instant justice, rights groups criticized it. In 2022, a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry commission called the incident a “fake encounter” and recommended trial of the policemen involved.
Apart from his tough image, Sajjanar is also known for his public awareness drives. He has led campaigns against online betting, loan app harassment, cyber frauds and other modern crimes. His frequent interactions with students and citizens helped spread awareness and prevention strategies. He was also known as the most people-friendly neighbourhood police too.
For the past four years, Sajjanar served as the Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC). He guided the corporation through a difficult period, bringing in reforms, stabilizing finances, and earning the goodwill of staff and passengers.
Now, as Hyderabad’s top cop, Sajjanar is expected to focus on issues like cybercrime, women’s safety, traffic problems and overall public security. His mix of strict policing and citizen-friendly measures is likely to give Hyderabad strong and confident law enforcement.
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