Mahesh Bhagwat Becomes Hyderabad’s 63rd Kotwal

Mahesh Bhagwat | Hyderabad, Nov. 12 (Maxim News): Senior IPS officer Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat has become Hyderabad’s 63rd Kotwal after taking charge as the Hyderabad City’s Police Commissioner.

A 1995-batch IPS officer, Bhagwat is widely recognised for his work against human trafficking. He has also received several national and international honours for his policing initiatives.

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The Hyderabad Police Commissionerate traces its Kotwal system to 1847. In 2024, CV Anand became the 61st Kotwal when he assumed charge for the second time. Subsequently, V.C. Sajjanar became the 62nd Kotwal.

Mahesh Bhagwat | Extensive policing experience across Telangana

Bhagwat began his IPS career with the 1995 batch. He holds a B. Tech degree in Civil Engineering and an LLB degree.

During his career, he served in several districts across the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh. His assignments included Adilabad, Nalgonda, Khammam and Kadapa.

He also held important positions in the Hyderabad and Cyberabad police departments. These included Deputy Commissioner and Joint Commissioner-level responsibilities.

After Telangana’s formation, Bhagwat received several important policing assignments. In July 2016, he became the first Commissioner of the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate.

He served in that position for approximately six and a half years. During his tenure, he focused on preventing human trafficking, rescuing child labourers and rehabilitating victims.

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He also worked to strengthen community policing and improve public access to police services.

Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat is a seasoned mentor who has propelled hundreds of UPSC candidates to the pinnacle of success.

National and international recognition

Bhagwat’s efforts against human trafficking earned him international recognition. In 2017, he received the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Hero Award from the United States Government.

The award recognised his contribution to combating human trafficking. His work also received recognition from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

In 2018, the association presented him with a Leadership Award in the Human and Civil Rights Protection category.

He also received several prestigious police honours during his career. These include the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 2004.

In 2011, he received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service. In 2022, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

Major challenges before Hyderabad Police

As Hyderabad’s new Police Commissioner, Bhagwat faces several challenges in maintaining law and order.

Cybercrime, drug trafficking, financial fraud, land grabbing and crimes against women remain major policing concerns. Traffic management and the protection of citizens from anti-social elements also require attention.

Digital arrest scams, online betting frauds and fake trading applications are increasing concerns. Fraud through social media platforms has also added to the challenges.

The growing number of cybercrime cases requires stronger investigation capabilities. Effective action against organised fraud networks will also remain important.

Improving women’s safety, protecting children and preventing financial crimes will be among the key expectations. Citizens will also look for accessible policing and quicker responses to complaints.

Bhagwat’s extensive experience in district policing, Hyderabad and Cyberabad, along with his work in Rachakonda, brings considerable administrative experience to the post. (Maxim News).