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Karnataka Police
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Karnataka State Police
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪೊಲೀಸ್
Karnātaka Rājya Polīs
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪೊಲೀಸ್
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪೊಲೀಸ್
AbbreviationKSP
MottoSatyameva Jayate
"Truth alone triumphs"
Agency overview
FormedApril 2, 1965
Preceding agency
  • Mysore State Police
Employees80,000
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionKarnataka, IN
Map of Karnataka Police Department's jurisdiction
Size191,791 km2
Population61,130,704
Legal jurisdictionKarnataka
Governing bodyHome Department, Government of Karnataka
Constituting instrument
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersKarnataka State Police, Bengaluru – 560001
Elected Minister responsible
Agency executive
Parent agencyDepartment of Home, Government of Karnataka
Child agency
Facilities
Stations923 (2013–2014)
Patrol VehiclesMahindra Bolero, Suzuki Ertiga, Chevrolet Tavera, Toyota Innova
AnimalsDogs
Notables
Anniversary
  • 2 April
Website
ksp.karnataka.gov.in

The Karnataka State Police is the law enforcement agency for the Indian state of Karnataka. It was established in 1965 and is headquartered in Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. The KSP is a state police force that works under the purview of the Department of Home Affairs, Government of Karnataka. The department is headed by the Director General and Inspector General of Police.

Organization

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The Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP) is the head of the State police department, and under him are the Director General of Police and Additional Director General of Police. Each Additional Director General of Police is in charge of a particular function: law and order, crime and technical services, administration, intelligence, the Karnataka State Reserve Police, recruitment and training.

The District Police administration is headed by a Superintendent of Police. A group of districts comprise a Police Range, led by an Inspector General of Police (IGP). Big cities have a Police Commissionerate led by the Commissioner of Police. Bengaluru is headed by an officer with the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADG). Mysuru is headed by an officer with the rank of Inspector General of Police. Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Kalaburagi and Mangaluru are headed by an officer with the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG).

There are 7 police ranges and 32 police districts in the state.



Ranges and districts
Range Districts
Southern Range, Mysuru Chamarajanagara, Hassana, Kodagu, Mandya and Mysuru[2][3]
Western Range, Mangaluru Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada,[4] Udupi and Uttara Kannada[5]
Eastern Range, Davangere Chitradurga, Davanagere, Haveri and Shivamogga
Central Range, Bengaluru Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Ramanagara and Tumakuru
Northern Range, Belagavi Bagalkote, Belagavi, Dharwada, Gadaga and Vijayapura
North Eastern Range, Kalaburagi BIdar, Kalaburgi and Yadagiri
Ballari Range, Ballari Ballari, Koppala, Raichuru and Vijayanagara

The police stations are the lowest units of the police department. There are 906 police stations, 230 circle offices, 91 SDPOs and 31 DPOs (including railway police) in Karnataka state. Police stations are headed by Inspector in towns and cities. There may be two to four Sub-Inspectors (S.I.) in addition to assistant sub-inspectors (A.S.I), Head Constables (H.C.) and police constables (P.C.). Rural police stations are headed by a sub-inspector or two sub-inspectors covering law and order and crime, depending on the station's importance and sensitivity. They are grouped into circles, comprising a sub-division. Sub-divisions are headed by Deputy Superintendents of Police and circles by Police Inspectors. Additional superintendent of police's (ASP's) are also there in some districts.

Officers [6][7]

  • Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)
  • Inspector General of Police (IGP)
  • Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
  • Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
  • Superintendent of Police (SP)
  • Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl.SP)
  • Assistant SP (IPS) or Deputy SP (KSPS)

Sub-ordinates

  • Police Inspector/Circle Police Inspector (PI/CPI)
  • Police Sub-Inspector (PSI)
  • Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI)
  • Head Constable (HC)
  • Constable (PC)

Insignia of Karnataka Police (State Police)

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Gazetted Officers
Indian Police Service gazetted officers rank insignia[8][9][10]
Insignia
Rank Director General of Police Additional Director General of Police[a] Inspector General of Police Deputy Inspector General of Police Superintendent of Police (Selection Grade) [b] Superintendent of Police Additional superintendent of police Assistant Superintendent of Police Assistant superintendent of police (probationary for two years) Assistant Superintendent of Police (Probationary for one year)
Abbreviation DGP ADGP IGP DIGP SP (SG) SP Addl.SP ASP ASP ASP


Karnataka State Police Officers Insignia [11][12][13]
Gazetted Officers
Insignia
Rank Superintendent of Police

(KSPS)

Additional Superintendent of Police

(KSPS)

Deputy Superintendent of Police

(KSPS)

Inspector of Police^
Abbreviation SP Addl.SP DYSP PI
Non-Gazetted Officers
Insignia
No insignia
Rank Sub Inspector of Police Assistant Sub Inspector Head constable Police constable
Abbreviation PSI ASI HC PC

Law and Order

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This wing is headed by an officer with the rank of Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order.

State Intelligence Department

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The Intelligence Department is headed by an Additional Director General of Police, assisted by two Deputy Inspector General of Police and five Superintendents of Police at headquarters. The five Superintendents of Police in the Intelligence Divisions are in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Gulbarga, Belagavi, Davanagere and Ballery.

Crime and Technical Services Wing

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This wing is headed by the Additional Director General of Police, Crime and Technical Services. It includes the Fingerprint Bureau, Forensic Scientific Laboratory, Police Computer Wing and State Crime Record Bureau.

Reserve police

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In the state, the police trace their origins to the former Mysore State Imperial Service. They consist of:

  • A District Armed Reserve (DAR) for each district
  • A City Armed Reserve (CAR) in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Belagavi and Hubli-Dharwad
  • A Special Task Force (STF)
  • The Karnataka Armed Reserve Mounted Police, headquartered in Mysore
  • Coastal Security Police (CSP)
  • Government Railway Police (GRP)

The Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) is headed by an Additional Director General of Police, assisted by an Inspector General and one Deputy Inspectors General of Police at headquarters. The Karnataka State Reserve Police consists of 12 battalions: four in Bengaluru and one each in Mysuru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, Shiggaon, Hassana and Tumakuru 2 IRB battalions are situated in Munirabad (Koppala) and Vijayapura. Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) is a specially formed reserved force. They are well trained striking force.

Mounted police

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In 1951 the horses in the maharaja's bodyguard were used for the Karnataka Armed Reserve Mounted Police, headquartered in Mysuru. The stables, fields and office buildings date to the maharajas' time. Mounted police are used for traffic duty, night patrol, officer training and the Mysuru Dasara. The force is made up of 90 horses and 150 officers and men.

Mounted-police riders still practice tent pegging, and are also known for games, ceremonial parades and showmanship. Its riders have won a number of prizes in national and international equestrian competitions. The mounted police is headed by S. G. Mariba Shetti, who has won gold medals at the 1995 World Police Games in Australia (1995) and in 2001 in Indianapolis (2001) and has commanded the Dasara procession since 1977.

In January 2024 The Hindu reported that mounted police patrols were being reintroduced around Cubbon Park and the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature in Bengarluru.[14]

Coastal Security Police

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The Coastal Security Police (CSP) was established in 1999, and is headed by the Superintendent of Police. It has jurisdiction over Karnataka's coastal waters along the Arabian sea from Talapady in Dakshina Kannada to Majali in Uttara Kannada; a coastline of about 320 kilometres (200 mi). Its range extends 12 nautical miles out to sea and 500 metres inland. The CSP comes under the Internal Security Division headed by Additional director general of police in Richmond Road, Bengaluru. As of January 2021, nine coastal police stations have been established and 13 "interceptor boats" are in operation.[15]

Forest Cell

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The Forest Cell assists the Karnataka Forest Department with their operations.

Policing Excess & Errors

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Karnataka High Court ordered a departmental inquiry against policemen for filing false chargesheet under NDPS Act affecting careers and future of students.[16] In another instance, Kerala Police arrested Karnataka police officers who took money from crypto traders.[17]

Training

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This wing is headed by the Director General of Police, Training, assisted by an Inspector General of Police (Training) and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Training). Karnataka has so many training institutions:

  • Karnataka Police Academy, Mysuru
  • Police Training College, Naganahalli, Kalaburagi
  • Karnataka State Police Training School, Channapattana
  • Karnataka Police Training school, Khanapura, Belagavi
  • Armed Police Training School, Yalahanka, Bengaluru
  • Police Training School, Aimangala, Chitradurga
  • Police training School, Thanisandra, Bengaluru
  • Police Training School, Kaduru, Chilkkamagaluru
  • Police Training School, Dharwad
  • Police Training School, Jyothi Nagara, Mysuru
  • Temporary Police Training School, Navangar, Bagalkot
  • Police Training School, Munirabad, Koppala
  • Police Training School, Kangralli, Belagavi
  • Police Training School, Vijayapura
  • CCT Training Center, Kudlu, Bengaluru
  • CCT Training Center, Agara, Bengaluru
  • ANF Training Center, Karkala, Udupi
  • Traffic Training Institute,RK Hegade Nagara, Bengaluru
  • Special Branch Training Institute, Bengaluru
  • Wireless Training Institute, Bengaluru
  • Police Driving And Maintenance School, Yelahanka, Bengaluru

Special units

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State-level units perform specialized police functions and assist civil-police units:

  • Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Economic Offenses and Special Units: Headed by a Director General of Police, the unit oversees the Corps of Detectives, the Forest Cell, the Economic Offenses Unit and the Cyber Police Station.
  • Directorate of Civil-Rights Enforcement: Headed by an Additional Director General of Police, Civil Rights Enforcement, and assisted by an Inspector General of Police, a Deputy Inspector General of Police and a Superintendent of Police at headquarters. the wing has six field units (each headed by a Superintendent of Police) at the police ranges in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Davanagere, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and Mysuru. The directorate monitors and investigates cases registered under the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955 and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, and is the watchdog of rights and benefits extended to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  • Communication, Logistic and Modernization Wing: Headed by an Additional Director General of Police, the wing consists of a Police Wireless Unit and a Motor Transport Organisation (both headed by a Superintendent of Police).
  • Planning & Modernization: Headed by an Inspector General of police, Planning and Modernization, the wing receives consolidation proposals for the police department and submits them to the government for approval.
  • Police Housing & Welfare: Headed by an Inspector General of Police, Grievance Cell and Human Rights
  • Internal Security Division: Headed by an Additional Director General of Police, the unit oversees the Terrorism and Naxalist in Karnataka State, Karnataka State Industrial Security Force(KSISF), Cyber cell, Forensic cell, and Bomb Detection Squad specially designed force called "Garuda Force" and ANF (Anti Naxal Force) units in it.

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Karnataka State Police is the principal responsible for , detection, and maintenance of public order within the Indian state of . It operates under the state's Home Department and is headed by the and (DG&IGP), a senior officer of the , with Dr. M. A. Saleem currently holding the position since May 2025. The force's legal framework is governed by the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, which unified disparate police regulations from pre-statehood eras including the of and British-administered territories. Organized hierarchically with IPS officers at senior levels and subordinate ranks including inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables, the Karnataka Police manages across urban centers like Bengaluru and rural districts, handling diverse challenges from traffic regulation to cyber threats and internal security. Specialized units address areas such as coastal security, anti-terrorism, and economic offenses, reflecting adaptations to modern policing demands amid Karnataka's rapid and . Recent directives under the current leadership emphasize zero-tolerance for , mandatory zero FIR registration, and enhanced officer accountability to improve service delivery and . While the force has pursued modernization through and training, it grapples with persistent issues like staffing shortages and incomplete implementation of national police reform directives from the , which aimed to insulate policing from political interference and establish oversight bodies. Notable efforts include recognition for personnel in national awards for exemplary service, though broader systemic challenges in and continue to shape its operational effectiveness.

History

Establishment and Early Development

The policing framework in the territory that constitutes modern originated in the of during the British colonial era, where informal village-level watch systems evolved into a more organized structure influenced by princely administration needs for revenue collection and order maintenance. Significant reforms commenced in to professionalize the force, culminating in the appointment of the first , L. Ricket, on November 1, 1885, to oversee statewide operations and standardize practices across districts. This marked the establishment of a centralized police leadership in , with an initial focus on rural patrolling, crime detection, and suppressing prevalent in frontier areas. Post-independence, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 led to the creation of (renamed on November 1, 1973) effective November 1, 1956, integrating Kannada-majority districts from the , , , Coorg, and the core princely territories, thereby requiring the amalgamation of fragmented police units from these regions into a unified state force. The inherited police structure served as the nucleus, absorbing approximately 10,000 personnel initially, with early efforts directed at harmonizing ranks, training protocols, and jurisdictional boundaries amid administrative challenges from linguistic and cultural variances. The Karnataka Police Act, 1963, formalized the force's establishment by delineating its constitution, powers, discipline, and accountability, replacing ad hoc colonial-era regulations and enabling expansion to cover 19 districts with specialized units for armed reserves drawn from the erstwhile Mysore State Imperial Service. Early developmental milestones included the setup of basic training facilities and the gradual recruitment drive to reach operational strength, addressing post-reorganization surges in urban migration and inter-district mobility that strained rural constabulary resources. By the mid-1960s, the force had prioritized foundational infrastructure like district headquarters and communication networks, laying groundwork for subsequent modernization while contending with limited budgets and personnel shortages typical of newly consolidated state apparatuses.

Post-State Reorganization Evolution

Following the , was established on November 1, 1956, incorporating Kannada-speaking territories from the erstwhile , , , , and Coorg, thereby necessitating the integration of five distinct police organizations into a cohesive state force. This unification addressed administrative disparities, including varying recruitment practices, command structures, and operational protocols inherited from princely and provincial systems, with initial efforts focused on standardizing ranks and jurisdictions across the expanded territory of approximately 191,791 square kilometers. The process involved absorbing personnel from regional forces, such as the Bombay Presidency Police in and districts, and the Nizam's police in Hyderabad-Karnataka areas, leading to an initial force strength that required rapid scaling to cover 19 districts. To establish uniformity, the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, was enacted and came into effect on April 2, 1965, replacing fragmented pre-reorganization laws with a single regulatory framework governing recruitment, discipline, and powers across the state (then still named ). This legislation facilitated the introduction of a standardized uniform dress code and hierarchical reforms, while Bangalore was designated a separate police commissionerate on July 4, 1963, to manage urban independently under its first . Concurrently, the Karnataka Village Defence Parties Act of 1964 empowered local auxiliaries for rural policing, enhancing community-level support amid post-unification challenges like linguistic integration and border disputes. Institutional expansions marked further evolution, with the state reserve police growing from three battalions in 1956 to eleven by the 1970s, supplemented by two India Reserve Battalions for riot control and internal security. The (CID) was restructured, incorporating specialized cells such as the Civil Rights Enforcement Wing, and the force contributed to national operations, including post-liberation administration in after 1961, for which it received a meritorious service certificate from the . Modernization accelerated with the establishment of a Police Computer Wing in 1977 for digitizing records, alongside the formation of canine units in 1968 to bolster detection capabilities. Upon the state's renaming to on November 1, 1973, the police adopted the Karnataka State Police designation, reflecting consolidated administrative maturity while addressing ongoing demands for force augmentation to match population growth exceeding 50 million by the 1980s.

Key Milestones in Expansion and Modernization

The Karnataka Police Act of 1963 marked a foundational milestone in the force's modernization, providing a comprehensive legal framework for its organization, recruitment, discipline, and operations in the unified state formed after the linguistic reorganization. This legislation replaced fragmented colonial-era structures, enabling centralized command under an and facilitating expansion through standardized ranks and district-level deployments across the enlarged territory. Subsequent expansion aligned with India's national police modernization initiatives, particularly the central government's Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) scheme introduced in 2000-01 to address deficiencies in infrastructure, equipment, and forensics. Karnataka received Rs. 83.01 under this scheme in 2010-11 alone, allocated for constructing and upgrading police stations, outposts, , and forensic facilities, which supported a proportional increase in operational capacity amid rising urbanization and rates. The State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation, established to implement these projects, targeted building 6,000 quarters (5,530 for constables and 470 for sub-inspectors) within three years, enhancing personnel welfare and retention to sustain force growth. Technological integration advanced through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS), a nationwide digital platform for initiated in 2009, with integrating its police stations into the as part of the scheme's phased rollout, culminating in national completion by March 2018. This enabled real-time crime recording, investigation tracking, and inter-state coordination, reducing paperwork and improving efficiency in a force whose sanctioned strength expanded to 111,330 by 2025 to cover a population exceeding 60 million. In 2016, state-specific reforms were announced, focusing on procurement of modern weaponry, vehicles, and training enhancements to address operational gaps exposed by internal unrest, further bolstering modernization efforts.

Organizational Structure

Administrative Hierarchy and Ranks

The Karnataka State Police operates under a hierarchical command structure typical of Indian state police forces, with authority flowing from the state-level leadership to district and local units. At the apex is the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DGP), an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer appointed by the state government, who holds ultimate responsibility for policy formulation, resource allocation, and coordination with central agencies. The DGP is supported by Additional Directors General of Police (ADGPs), who head major functional wings such as armed police, intelligence, and technical services; as of 2022, four ADGPs were in place, with the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner also holding this rank. Below the ADGP level, Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) oversee zones or ranges, typically numbering around 10 officers, while Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) manage sub-divisions or specific portfolios, with approximately 20 such positions reported in 2022. Superintendents of Police (SPs), numbering about 65 including urban commissioners, administer districts or commissionerates; Karnataka has six commissionerates (Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Belagavi, and ) where SPs are designated as Commissioners with enhanced autonomy over and . In non-commissionerate districts, SPs report to DIGs and maintain direct oversight of station-house operations, investigations, and personnel deployment. Gazetted officer ranks transition to Additional Superintendents of Police (Addl. SPs) and Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) or Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), often filled by junior IPS officers or Karnataka Service (KSPS) promotees, who handle subdivisional duties or specialized investigations. Non-gazetted ranks form the operational backbone, comprising (station officers in smaller units), Sub- (SIs, leading investigations and patrols), Assistant Sub- (ASIs, assisting SIs), Head Constables (supervisory field roles), and Police Constables (frontline enforcement). The rank structure emphasizes a clear chain of command, with IPS officers dominating senior positions (apex scale to junior scale) and state-recruited personnel filling lower echelons through competitive exams and promotions. Promotions are governed by seniority, performance evaluations, and vacancies, as per the Police Act of 1963 and state rules, ensuring amid Karnataka's diverse terrain and urban-rural policing demands.
RankAbbreviationTypical Role
DGPStatewide command
ADGPWing/zone oversight
IGPRange/functional head
DIGDivision/specialty lead
Superintendent of PoliceSPDistrict/commissionerate
Additional/Assistant Superintendent of PoliceAddl. SP/ASP/DSPSubdivisional operations
PIStation/investigation supervision
SI/PSIField investigations, patrols
Assistant Sub-InspectorASISupport to SI
HCTeam leadership
PCBasic duties, enforcement

Zonal and District Divisions

The Karnataka Police operates through a decentralized structure comprising seven ranges, each designated as a zone and headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP), who oversees law enforcement coordination, resource allocation, and operational oversight across 3 to 6 districts per zone. This zonal framework, established to manage the state's 31 districts efficiently, groups districts geographically to address regional variations in crime patterns, terrain, and security challenges, with each district led by a Superintendent of Police (SP) reporting to the zonal IGP. Bengaluru Urban district functions as a separate commissionerate under a Commissioner of Police, distinct from the zonal ranges. The ranges facilitate hierarchical command, enabling rapid response to inter-district issues such as or communal tensions, while district-level units handle routine policing. As of 2022, this structure remained unchanged, supporting approximately personnel statewide.
RangeHeadquartersDistricts Covered
Southern RangeMysuruChamarajanagara, Hassan, Kodagu, , Mysuru
Western RangeMangaluruChikkamagaluru, , ,
, , , Shivamogga
Central RangeBengaluruBengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, , Tumakuru
Northern RangeBelagaviBagalkot, Belagavi, , Gadag, Vijayapura
North Eastern Range, , , ,
Within districts, policing is further subdivided into subdivisions, circles, and stations, with SPs delegating authority to Deputy SPs for local operations. This setup has enabled targeted interventions, such as enhanced patrols in Naxal-affected eastern districts under the North Eastern Range.

Central Command and Leadership

The Karnataka State Police is directed by a centralized under the and (DG&IGP), the apex authority responsible for overall administration, policy direction, and operational control of the force. This position, held by a senior (IPS) officer, ensures coordination across the state's districts, ranges, and specialized units from the headquarters in Bengaluru. The DG&IGP formulates strategies for , resource management, and inter-agency collaboration, reporting to the state's Home Department. As of August 30, 2025, Dr. M.A. Saleem, a 1993-batch IPS officer, serves as the DG&IGP, succeeding prior leadership in a permanent capacity following government notification. Saleem's tenure emphasizes citizen-centric policing, including directives for polite conduct and avoidance of , particularly toward women, issued on October 25, 2025. Supporting the DG&IGP are Additional Directors General of Police (ADGPs), who head critical wings such as , , armed reserves, and administration. In September 2025, two 1995-batch IPS officers— (ADGP, Karnataka State Reserve Police) and Arun Chakravarthy J. (ADGP and CMD, Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation)—were promoted to DGP-equivalent ranks, enhancing leadership depth in specialized domains. Zonal command is delegated to Inspectors General of Police (IGPs), who oversee multiple and report directly to the central leadership for alignment with state-wide objectives. This hierarchical setup maintains operational efficiency while allowing localized responsiveness. The Police Headquarters, located at No. 2, Nrupathunga Road, Bengaluru, houses the central command offices, facilitating oversight of approximately 80,000 personnel deployed statewide. Leadership appointments prioritize seniority, empanelment, and performance evaluations by the state government and guidelines.

Core Operational Functions

Law and Order Maintenance

The Karnataka Police is tasked with preserving public order through preventive measures such as routine patrolling, beat systems, and intelligence-led interventions to preempt disturbances. This includes deploying personnel for crowd management during festivals, political rallies, and inter-community tensions, often in coordination with district magistrates under the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, which empowers superintendents and commissioners to regulate assemblies and enforce dispersal orders. In practice, these efforts aim to minimize disruptions from events like the Cauvery water disputes, which have historically sparked protests requiring lathi charges and temporary curfews in districts such as . Community policing programs, including collaborations with NGOs in Bengaluru, emphasize partnership with citizens for early detection of potential flashpoints, reducing reliance on reactive force. Such initiatives have been credited with fostering voluntary reporting of brewing conflicts, though empirical outcomes remain mixed due to uneven implementation across rural and urban areas. During major incidents, such as the 2022 Hubballi riots involving attacks on police stations, forces utilized riot gear and firing in , leading to arrests under IPC sections for and violence. Challenges persist from political overrides, as seen in the 2024 withdrawal of 43 riot cases from Hubballi by the , despite objections from police and legal advisors, which critics argue erodes deterrence and burdens frontline officers facing retaliatory violence. In 2023, reported over 21,000 violent crimes, including rioting, marking a 14% increase from prior years and bucking national declines in such offenses. Recent events, like the September 2024 Davangere riots resulting in over 30 arrests and the 2025 Maddur stone-pelting protests met with lathi charges, highlight ongoing demands for rapid response amid rising communal frictions.

Intelligence Gathering and Analysis

The State Intelligence Department (SID) of the Karnataka Police, headed by an (ADGP) and assisted by two Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), serves as the primary unit for intelligence operations within the force. As of June 6, 2025, ADGP S. Ravi was appointed as Director of State Intelligence, succeeding Hemant M. Nimbalkar amid operational reviews. The department's structure includes specialized sections for counter-terrorism, counter-militancy, and VIP security, each led by designated officers, functioning under the overall command of the . Intelligence gathering encompasses human and technical sources to monitor threats to public peace, organized crime, communal tensions, , , and subversive activities such as transactions, fake Indian currency notes (FICN), and narco-terrorism. At the district and station levels, the System, implemented statewide from April 1, 2025, deploys beat constables to systematically collect local information by engaging village headmen, community leaders, and residents on potential crimes and security risks. Complementing this, the Khabari System—an intelligence-led model—leverages police station resources, including human informants and technical tools like , to proactively identify crime precursors and threats before escalation. Analysis processes involve evaluating raw intelligence for actionable insights, including threat assessments, field intelligence synthesis, and inputs for VVIP protection protocols. The SID coordinates with district units to disseminate analyzed data, enabling preventive policing and operational responses to internal security challenges. The Criminal Intelligence Unit within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) supports this by collecting jurisdiction-specific criminal intelligence on patterns like organized syndicates and sharing verified reports with districts and commissionerates for targeted interventions. Additionally, the Internal Security Division focuses analytical efforts on counter-terrorism measures, including de-radicalization strategies and monitoring radical networks. These functions emphasize empirical threat prioritization over speculative risks, with gathered data informing resource allocation for efficacy, though challenges persist in integrating technical surveillance amid evolving cyber threats.

Crime Investigation and Technical Services

The (CID) of the Karnataka Police serves as the primary specialized wing for probing serious and complex crimes, including economic offences, financial , and high-profile cases that require coordinated expertise beyond district-level resources. Headed by a (DGP), the CID operates under the overall supervision of the DGP for Crime and Technical Services, with dedicated units such as the Unit for gathering actionable intelligence and the Deposit Fraud Investigation squad targeting banking-related scams. Technical services within this domain encompass forensic analysis, biometric identification, and , enabling evidence-based resolutions in investigations. The Fingerprint Bureau maintains an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) integrated with portable scanners deployed across the state, which processed 93,645 fingerprints between early 2021 and mid-2022, yielding 3,294 matches to known criminals and aiding in suspect identification at checkpoints and crime scenes. The Police Computer Wing supports and analysis, including oversight of Call Detail Records (CDR) for tracing communications in cases. The Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) provides essential scientific examination of physical evidence, such as , , and , across its central facility in Bengaluru and seven Regional FSLs in cities including Mysuru, , Belagavi, Mangaluru, , Hubballi, and . Established to bolster criminal , the FSL handles exhibits from , with protocols mandating seized mobile devices be forwarded within 30 days for digital extraction to preserve . Cybercrime investigations fall under the CID's Cyber Crime Division, featuring a Cyber Forensics Unit (CFU) equipped with advanced tools for recovering data from devices and networks, assisting not only CID but also district probes. Complementing this, the Cyber Command Unit, launched in 2025, operates as a 24/7 real-time monitoring hub with AI-driven analytics for threat detection, forensic capabilities, and victim assistance, addressing the surge in online frauds and data breaches reported statewide. These units integrate with the State Crime Records Bureau for centralized data on offenses, enhancing and preventive policing.

Specialized Units and Forces

Reserve and Auxiliary Forces

The Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) constitutes the principal reserve force within the Police, organized into 14 battalions, each comprising at least 1,000 personnel, for a total strength exceeding 14,000. Headed by an and supported by an and Deputy Inspectors General, the KSRP is deployed for crowd and , VIP security, , and reinforcement of district forces during law and order disturbances. Personnel undergo specialized training in handling armed confrontations and rapid mobilization, with recent direct recruitments emphasizing , marksmanship, and transparency to address vacancies. District Armed Reserve (DAR) units function as auxiliary forces at the district level, with one such reserve established per district and commanded by a . Their core duties encompass escorting prisoners, providing armed guards for VIPs and VVIPs including the and , and supporting local law enforcement in maintaining order during elections, festivals, or unrest. These units maintain readiness for immediate deployment within their jurisdictions, often integrating with civil police for operational efficiency. City Armed Reserve (CAR) formations serve as urban auxiliary reserves in key commissionerates such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, and Hubballi-Dharwad, acting as the armed extension of city police to handle escalated threats. In Bengaluru, for instance, the CAR assists in patrolling high-risk areas, quelling disturbances, and securing public events, with personnel equipped for tactical interventions beyond routine civil duties. Special Reserve Police Constables (RPC), recruited into KSRP battalions, further augment these forces, with ongoing drives filling hundreds of positions across cadres like the region to sustain operational capacity.

Coastal Security Police

The Coastal Security Police (CSP) of Karnataka, also known as the Karnataka State Coastal Security Police Force, was established in 1998 to address vulnerabilities in the state's maritime domain, particularly along its 320-kilometer coastline spanning , , and districts. The unit's primary mandate involves patrolling up to 12 nautical miles, intercepting smuggling activities, curbing illegal immigration and fishing, and countering potential terrorist infiltrations, in coordination with the under a hub-and-spoke operational model where stations serve as hubs and CSP outposts as spokes. CSP infrastructure includes multiple coastal police stations and outposts, with expansions such as new facilities planned in Hejamady (Dakshina Kannada), Honnavar and Ankola (Uttara Kannada), and Kundapur (Udupi) by late 2010, supported by the central government's Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) Phases I and II, which sanctioned coastal states like Karnataka additional stations, jetties, and equipment from 2005 onward. The force deploys interceptor boats for rapid response, including five new units received around 2010, though national reports highlight persistent challenges like maintenance issues and manpower shortages affecting patrol efficacy across coastal states. Operational efforts emphasize joint patrols and intelligence-sharing, augmented by community initiatives such as the fisher-led Karavali Niyantran Dal, which provides surveillance support using local boats equipped with GPS and communication tools to monitor suspicious activities. In response to heightened threats, including post-26/11 attacks reforms and recent terror incidents like the 2025 event, CSP has intensified inspections in key ports like , focusing on vessel checks to prevent contraband and unauthorized entries. State officials have pledged further strengthening, including enhanced manpower and assets, to mitigate infiltration risks from maritime routes.

Forest Cell and Environmental Policing

The Forest Cell operates as a specialized unit within the (CID) of the Karnataka Police, with jurisdiction spanning all districts of the state. Established to address crimes against forest resources, it primarily focuses on safeguarding forest produce from illegal extraction and smuggling while enforcing provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Its mandate includes proactive surveillance, intelligence-led interventions, and post-incident investigations into poaching, trafficking of wildlife parts, and unauthorized felling of timber or other resources. Key responsibilities encompass collaborating with the Karnataka Forest Department for joint patrols and raids, particularly in forested regions like the and , where human-wildlife interfaces heighten risks of conflict-driven offenses. The unit investigates cases involving endangered species, such as s and tigers, often coordinating with the national (WCCB) for cross-border networks. Notable operations have yielded seizures like 26.7 kg of tusks in October 2015 and skins of leopards and otters in earlier busts targeting poacher syndicates. More recently, in December 2024, the cell recovered two tusks stolen from a godown, leading to arrests in . Environmental enforcement by the Forest Cell extends to curbing ecosystem degradation through probes into illegal routes, which have seen upticks in marine species via coastal districts as of August 2024. In November 2023, undercover operations posing as buyers dismantled a poaching ring near , arresting traffickers with animal skins and highlighting the cell's adaptive tactics against . Amid rising human-elephant conflicts and poaching pressures, the issued directives on September 27, 2025, mandating stronger inter-agency coordination to mitigate law-and-order threats from crimes. These efforts underscore a reactive yet intelligence-driven approach, though persistent challenges include porous borders and demand-driven trafficking.

Anti-Naxal and Internal Security Units

The Internal Security Division (ISD) of the Karnataka Police was established in 2008 to coordinate responses to internal threats, including left-wing extremism, , and protection of , and is headed by an . The division encompasses specialized units focused on proactive , operations, and to maintain stability amid evolving challenges such as insurgent infiltration and urban unrest. The Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), a key component under the ISD, was formed in 2005 to combat Maoist insurgent activities primarily in the Malnad region's forested districts, including , , and Kodagu, with headquarters in , , and approximately 15 operational camps. Comprising around 670 personnel trained in and combing operations, the ANF conducted extensive forest patrols and intelligence-driven actions that pressured Naxal cadres, leading to surrenders and a decline in active presence. By February 2025, following the surrender of eight Communist Party of India (Maoist) cadres, was declared Naxal-free, prompting Chief Minister to announce the ANF's disbandment in March 2025 on grounds of obsolescence. However, senior police officials opposed full dissolution, citing risks of resurgence via infiltration from neighboring states with ongoing Maoist activity, such as and , and recommended retaining core capabilities. Instead of complete disbandment, by May 2025, roughly half of ANF personnel were redeployed to form a targeting and in coastal districts like , , and Shivamogga, reflecting a shift toward urban internal security amid rising tensions. Additionally, 56 ANF members were allocated to the newly created Anti-Narcotics in August 2025, underscoring resource repurposing while preserving specialized skills. These adaptations highlight causal factors in , where empirical success against Naxalism enables reallocation, though border vulnerabilities necessitate ongoing vigilance against ideological and operational spillovers. Complementing the ANF, the Anti-Terrorist Cell (ATC) within the ISD focuses on preempting Islamist and other terrorist threats through surveillance, investigations, and arrests, as evidenced by its 2022 FIR against Popular Front of India members for alleged sedition and terror financing. Established prior to 2021, the ATC has faced operational hurdles including personnel inexperience and diversion to routine duties, limiting its effectiveness in tracking sleeper cells despite inputs from national agencies like the NIA. The ISD's Centre for Counter Terrorism (CCT), including its Counter-IED wing, further bolsters capabilities, securing a national win in joint counter-IED exercises in December 2024. Vital installations security under the ISD safeguards economic and strategic assets, integrating with broader intelligence to mitigate hybrid threats from extremism and sabotage.

Training and Human Resources

Recruitment and Selection Processes

The recruitment and selection processes for Police are managed by the Karnataka State Police (KSP) through centralized notifications issued on its official portal, targeting various ranks such as constables and sub-inspectors (), with periodic drives based on vacancies, including special quotas for ex-servicemen, sportspersons, and reserved categories under state policy. Eligibility criteria emphasize educational qualifications, age limits (typically 18-25 years for constables and 21-28 years for , with 3-5 year relaxations for SC/ST/OBC categories), and physical fitness, ensuring candidates possess the baseline attributes for demanding duties. Processes incorporate written assessments to evaluate cognitive abilities, physical tests to verify endurance and standards, and medical evaluations to confirm health suitability, with reservations applied as per Karnataka government rules (e.g., 15% for SC, 4% for ST). For Police Constable positions, the selection begins with an online application phase followed by a preliminary written examination of 100 objective-type questions (1 mark each, with 0.25 negative marking) covering topics like general knowledge, society, current affairs, and reasoning, lasting 90-120 minutes depending on the notification. Candidates qualifying the written test (cutoffs varying by category, e.g., around 40-50% for general in past drives) proceed to the Physical Measurement Test (PMT), requiring minimum height of 168 cm (males, general category; 165 cm for Hyderabad-Karnataka region) and chest measurement of 86-91 cm (with 5 cm expansion), and 158 cm height for females without chest criteria. The subsequent Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is qualifying and includes gender-specific events: for males, a 1600-meter run in under 6 minutes 30 seconds, 5 cm rope climb, and either shot put (7.26 kg at 5.6 meters) or long jump (3.8 meters); females face adjusted standards like an 800-meter run in under 4 minutes 45 seconds. Final selection hinges on a medical test checking vision (6/6 without glasses), hearing, and absence of physical defects, with document verification for domicile and caste claims. Police Sub-Inspector recruitment follows a similar multi-stage format but demands higher qualifications, starting with a qualifying Endurance Test/Physical Standard Test (ET/PST) mirroring constable PET/PMT but with stricter timelines (e.g., 1600m run in 6 minutes 30 seconds for males). Shortlisted candidates take a written examination, often comprising two papers: Paper I (descriptive, 200 marks on , , and precis) and Paper II (objective, 200 marks on , police procedures, and ), with total marks determining merit. language proficiency is mandatory, tested via viva voce or integrated into papers. For specialized PSI roles like or armed forces, additional technical exams or marksmanship tests apply. The process concludes with medical fitness certification and background checks, prioritizing merit lists adjusted for reservations; in 2022 notifications, over 10,000 applied for limited PSI vacancies, underscoring competitiveness. Direct recruitment for higher state police services (e.g., ) occurs via the (KPSC) or for IPS allottees, involving preliminary, mains, and interview stages under [All India Services](/page/All India Services) norms, distinct from KSP's constable/PSI processes. Irregularities in past recruitments, such as paper leaks in 2017 PSI exams leading to cancellations, have prompted enhanced oversight, including centralized evaluation by designated officers. Overall, these mechanisms aim to build a force capable of operational rigors, though critiques from independent reports highlight occasional delays and regional disparities in quota enforcement.

Training Academies and Programs

The Karnataka Police Academy (KPA) in Mysuru functions as the primary institution for advanced and foundational training of state police personnel, recognized as one of India's leading police training facilities. Located at the foothills of the , it delivers programs for gazetted probationers, police sub-inspectors (PSIs), civil constables, and reserve forces, alongside in-service and senior-level courses aimed at professional development. Basic recruit training at KPA includes year-long courses for higher ranks and specialized modules such as for head constables and police constables. Supporting KPA are regional facilities like the Police Training College (PTC) in , a key center spanning 94 acres that conducts training for police officers and excise personnel, focusing on operational skills and local . Karnataka State Police Training Schools, distributed across locations including , Munirabad, in , and sites near Bengaluru such as Thanisandra and , primarily handle initial recruit training for in civil and armed reserve wings. These schools emphasize practical drills, with basic constable programs typically lasting 9 months for civil recruits and incorporating physical conditioning, legal procedures, and tactics. In-service programs across these institutions cover reorientation for serving personnel, promotion examinations, and specialized topics like modern policing techniques, including workshops on artificial intelligence applications in instruction and investigation held at KPA as recently as September 2025. Pre-recruitment residential training is also offered to prepare candidates for constable selection, aligning with state recruitment drives. Overall, training curricula prioritize empirical skills in crime prevention, investigation, and internal security, drawing from national guidelines while adapting to Karnataka's regional challenges such as urban crime in Bengaluru and rural naxal threats.

Capacity Building Initiatives

The Karnataka Police has pursued through targeted training programs and partnerships aimed at enhancing specialized skills, particularly in emerging threats like and . These initiatives emphasize practical skill development at the Karnataka Police (KPA) in Mysuru, which serves as a central hub for advanced training modules. In January 2025, KPA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the ISAC Foundation, marking the first such collaboration to bolster cybersecurity expertise. This partnership equips officers with training in advanced investigation techniques, including and threat analysis, to address rising cyber threats across the state. The initiative targets both existing personnel and recruits, integrating ISAC's industry insights to build a resilient force capable of handling sophisticated digital offenses. Complementing this, pledged over ₹33 crore in April 2024 to fortify investigation infrastructure, including dedicated for police personnel, prosecutors, and judicial officers. The supports specialized workshops and tool deployment to improve handling in digital cases, reflecting a response to Karnataka's increasing volume. On counterfeiting and smuggling prevention, the FICCI Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) conducted programs at KPA, with a notable session on July 29, 2022, training officers on economic threats from illicit trade and terror-linked funding. These sessions sensitized participants to investigative tactics and inter-agency coordination, building on earlier efforts from 2019. For gender-specific skill enhancement, the Rani Channamma Training Programme, running from December 2022 to May 2025, focused on women police personnel, covering , unarmed , and to improve operational effectiveness in field duties. Technological integration includes drone operation training, initiated in July 2025 in with AI-enabled smart drones, establishing a statewide drone for and rapid response. This effort contributed to Karnataka Police receiving the inaugural FICCI Drone Award in December 2024 for innovative in unmanned aerial systems. Human rights training forms another pillar, with the National Human Rights Commission organizing a two-day residential program in October 2024 for and officers, emphasizing compliance in policing practices to align with constitutional standards. Under Director-General M.A. Saleem, appointed in 2025, broader modernization drives incorporate capacity building in narcotics enforcement, traffic management, and community policing, leveraging technologies like 500,000 CCTV cameras for data-driven training.

Equipment, Technology, and Infrastructure

Armaments and Vehicles

The Karnataka Police primarily equip regular station personnel with .303 rifles, many of which remain in service despite their obsolescence, with an estimated 15,000 units distributed across more than 923 police stations at a rate of 15 to 20 per station as of September 2025. These bolt-action rifles, dating back to World War II-era designs, are criticized by officers for reliability issues in modern confrontations, prompting calls for replacement under national police modernization schemes, though procurement delays persist. Specialized units, including anti-naxal forces and commandos, receive upgraded firearms such as INSAS assault rifles and 9mm pistols for IPS officers, aligned with broader Indian state police standards. Vehicle fleets emphasize rugged utility vehicles suited to Karnataka's terrain, with Mahindra Bolero SUVs forming a core of patrol and response assets; a batch of 75 Boleros was added in February 2021 to bolster operational capacity. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in Bengaluru incorporated 50 customized Honda CB350 motorcycles in October 2025, fitted with revolving flashers, blinkers, public address systems, and first-aid kits for urban mobility and emergency response. Riot control operations utilize Force Traveller vans, with a dedicated fleet commissioned in September 2021 featuring reinforced structures for crowd management. Highway patrol employs Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pickups, inducted around June 2021 with bullbars for durability, while district-level emergency systems, such as in Hassan, integrated 11 Mahindra Scorpios and four Toyota vehicles by February 2021. Fleet maintenance falls under dedicated motor transport workshops, though overall modernization lags, with vehicles occasionally repurposed for tasks like towing amid urban congestion as of May 2025.

Technological Integration

The Karnataka Police has integrated the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), a nationwide digital platform for standardizing crime data management, with full implementation across its police stations achieved as part of the national rollout completed by March 2018 and further enhanced by 2024 modifications for new criminal laws. This system enables real-time data sharing, faster FIR registration, and improved investigation efficiency through centralized criminal records and . Complementing CCTNS, the Mobile CCTNS application, piloted from 2020 to 2021 and launched statewide in February 2021, allows field officers to access and update records via mobile devices, reducing paperwork and enabling on-the-spot reporting. Digital citizen services have been expanded through the Karnataka State Police (KSP) Mobile App, available in and English, which facilitates incident reporting, e-FIR filing for lost items, emergency video calls via "Safe Connect," and antecedent verifications. Launched to enhance accessibility, the app streamlines communication between citizens and law enforcement, with features like real-time tracking of complaints aimed at improving response times. In parallel, the Karnataka Cybersecurity Policy 2024 establishes frameworks for response, including a dedicated ₹103.87 initiative with a specialized for cyber operations, focusing on threat detection and data protection amid rising digital frauds. Surveillance capabilities incorporate AI-driven technologies, notably in Bengaluru where over 7,000 AI-powered CCTV cameras were deployed by March 2025 for enhanced monitoring and rapid response, achieving complaint resolutions in as little as nine minutes. Facial recognition software integrated into these systems identified 250,000 faces with criminal backgrounds in Bengaluru over 90 days as of September 2024, aiding in suspect tracking and public safety. Drone integration advanced with AI-equipped models introduced in Kalaburagi in July 2025, marking the state's first such initiative for aerial surveillance and establishing a drone task force for broader deployment. AI adoption extends to specialized platforms like KSP.AI, introduced in December 2023 for and operational analytics, and agentic AI systems deployed in June 2025 for autonomous cyber threat detection, monitoring, and fraud prevention via scanning. benefits from AI tools such as ASTRAM and VANKi for real-time disruption analysis. These integrations, while boosting efficiency, underscore ongoing needs for technical training among personnel to address detection gaps.

Infrastructure and Facilities

The Karnataka Police infrastructure encompasses a statewide network of police stations, administrative headquarters, forensic laboratories, and specialized training centers, supported by dedicated modernization initiatives. The department's headquarters in Bengaluru functions as the primary administrative and operational hub, overseeing coordination across districts and housing key units such as the police computer wing and crime records bureau. Modernization efforts, aligned with national standards, emphasize equipping stations with communication facilities including , , systems, and CCTV monitoring to enhance operational efficiency. Forensic infrastructure includes the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) in Bengaluru, which provides advanced scientific analysis for criminal investigations, alongside regional forensic science laboratories (RFSLs) in (established at the Police Training College Campus, Naganahalli) and Hubballi (inaugurated on March 7, 2022, on Gokul Road). In September 2021, the state government announced plans to establish additional forensic laboratories in six cities to bolster investigative capabilities amid rising caseloads. Training and residential facilities are managed through institutions like the Karnataka Police Academy in Mysuru, located at the foothills of , which delivers specialized programs for recruits and in-service personnel. The State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation oversees construction of police quarters and station upgrades under the central Modernization of Police Forces scheme, including a project for 6,000 quarters (5,530 for constables and 470 for sub-inspectors) initiated to address housing shortages. On January 8, 2025, a new police housing complex was inaugurated in Bengaluru's Pulakeshinagar area, reflecting continued investment in personnel welfare to support retention and morale. Expansion of frontline infrastructure includes state government announcements on October 21, 2024, for 100 new police stations to improve coverage in underserved areas, building on prior additions such as 20 stations planned for Bengaluru in the 2023-24 budget (nine for law and order, five for traffic, and six for women). These developments occur under the umbrella Modernization scheme, which allocates funds for station buildings, barracks, and security enhancements, though implementation gaps persist in equipping all stations with vehicles, telephones, and as per national benchmarks.

Performance Metrics and Impact

Crime Statistics and Control Efforts

In 2023, Karnataka recorded 214,234 cognizable crimes, comprising 148,648 (IPC) cases and 65,586 Special and Local Laws (SLL) cases, marking an 18.53% increase from 180,742 cases in 2022. The overall crime rate rose to 289.43 per population from 246.58 in 2022, reflecting heightened reporting or incidence amid urban growth and digital expansion. Violent crimes totaled 17,902 cases, up from prior years, with Bengaluru City accounting for the highest share at 3,528.
CategoryCases in 2023Change from 2022Charge-Sheeting Rate
1,322-5.8%88.8%
Rape (incl. POCSO)656Not specifiedPart of 81.2% for women crimes
& Abduction3,744Increase78.0%
Cyber Crimes21,889+74.33%18.1%
Crimes Against Women20,336+14.15%81.2%
Crimes Against Children8,929Increase59.4%
Cyber crimes surged to 21,889 cases, driven by and personation under IT Act Section 66D, comprising 83% of such offenses, though conviction outcomes remained low with only 44 convictions including carryovers. Crimes against women reached 20,336, with cases at 656, while murders declined modestly to 1,322 amid sustained investigations yielding 88.8% charge-sheeting. Overall IPC charge-sheeting stood at 76.68%, but pendency affected disposal, with 47,971 IPC cases pending. Karnataka Police has pursued crime control through community-oriented strategies, including the New Beat System implemented statewide since April 1, 2017, which divides beats into sub-units for proactive ling and public engagement to reduce trust deficits. Initiatives like "Mane Manege Police" (Police at Every Home), launched in districts such as Mysuru in July 2025, emphasize household-level outreach for safety and trust-building. The E-Subhahu application, introduced in 2025, facilitates , reporting, and auditing to enhance efficiency against urban crimes. Additional measures include grassroots social media monitoring to counter and communal tensions, alongside annual Month drives focusing on vigilance for property and economic offenses. These efforts correlate with high charge-sheeting in categories like murders and atrocities against Scheduled Castes (81.4%), though persistent rises in cyber and women-related crimes highlight investigative gaps.

Conviction Rates and Judicial Outcomes

The for (IPC) crimes in was 36.0% in 2023, encompassing 39,865 convictions from 110,857 cases disposed of by courts following police investigations. This metric, calculated as convictions divided by total trial outcomes (convictions plus acquittals), highlights variability in judicial success tied to evidence quality and prosecutorial efficacy in police-filed cases. District-level disparities were pronounced, with Bengaluru City at 71.8% and at 65.3%, contrasted by Vijayapura's 4.4%, underscoring uneven investigative and courtroom performance across regions. Chargesheeting rates, reflecting police completion of investigations with formal filings, reached 76.7% for IPC crimes in 2023, down slightly from prior years and varying by district (e.g., 88.7% in versus 69.0% in Bengaluru City). For total cognizable crimes, the rate was marginally lower at 76.68%, with police disposing of 124,414 out of 210,287 registered cases through chargesheets or closures. Category-specific outcomes revealed challenges: rape convictions fell to 3.6% in 2023 from 11.7% in 2021, amid 773 disposed cases yielding 27 convictions, while overall crimes against women averaged 1.7% (164 convictions from 9,947 disposals). Higher rates appeared in select areas, such as 90.2% for environment offences (894 convictions from 991 trials) and 42.3% for cybercrimes (44 from 104). Judicial pendency exacerbated delays, with 84.6% of crimes against women cases and 89.5% of those against children remaining unresolved at year-end, limiting overall outcomes. In Bengaluru, targeted police monitoring of trials achieved a 50% for 1,306 completed cases in January 2024 alone, suggesting localized interventions can boost results. Broader trends indicate persistent gaps between registration and final verdicts, with low rates in sensitive categories pointing to evidentiary weaknesses or procedural hurdles rather than filing volume.
CategoryConviction Rate (2023)Key Notes
IPC Crimes (Overall)36.0%39,865 convictions from 110,857 disposals; district highs in urban areas.
Crimes Against Women1.7%Includes 3.6% for ; high pendency at 84.6%.
Cybercrimes42.3%44 convictions from 104 trials; low chargesheeting at 18.1%.
Environment Offences90.2%Strong outcomes in specialized prosecutions.

Achievements in Specific Domains

The Karnataka Police have demonstrated proficiency in counter-terrorism operations through specialized training and competitive excellence. In December 2024, a team from the force secured first place in the national counter (CIED) competition, marking the first such victory for the state police and highlighting their capabilities in detecting and neutralizing explosive threats. In narcotics control, the Karnataka Police have conducted several high-value seizures disrupting international drug networks. In March 2025, Mangaluru police executed the state's largest-ever drug bust, confiscating 37.87 kilograms of valued at Rs 75 and arresting two South African nationals linked to a . Through 2025, Bengaluru police alone registered 711 narcotics cases, arrested 1,048 individuals, and seized drugs worth Rs 81.21 , targeting synthetic substances like , , and prevalent in urban nightlife circuits. The Bengaluru Traffic Police, a specialized wing of the Karnataka Police, have advanced urban via technological innovations. In 2024, they received the Best Urban Mobility Initiative award at the Elets National Railway & Mobility Infrastructure Awards for ASTraM, an AI-driven system optimizing signal timings to reduce congestion. The force earned the Golden Peacock Innovative Product/Service Award in 2025 for ASTraM's implementation, which integrates real-time data analytics for sustainable traffic flow. As the first in to deploy AI-based traffic signaling, they planned full rollout across 165 junctions by January 2025, aiming to minimize delays and enhance enforcement through digital cameras and predictive algorithms.

Controversies and Criticisms

Allegations of Policing Excesses and Errors

The has registered multiple complaints involving custodial deaths in police custody, including allegations of leading to fatalities. In one case, carpenter Mohammad Adil died on May 24, 2024, while in custody at Huliyurdurga police station in after being detained on suspicion of ; post-mortem reports indicated injuries consistent with , though police claimed natural causes, prompting criticism over delayed medical aid and procedural lapses. Similarly, in 2014, cab driver Pradeep Hegde died in Bengaluru city police custody following reported during interrogation for a case, with family alleging beatings despite police attributing it to ; no officers were indicted despite repeated such charges against the force. Allegations of fake encounters have surfaced in operations against Maoists, notably the killing of Naxal leader Vikram Gowda on November 19, 2024, in Shivamogga district during an Anti-Naxal Force operation; police described it as a legitimate gunfight where Gowda fired first, but activists and reformed Naxals demanded probes, citing lack of independent verification and Gowda's non-aggressive stance in recent years, terming it extrajudicial. The KSHRC categorizes such incidents for review, including those reported as "alleged fake encounters" by media or complainants, though convictions remain rare nationally. Excessive force claims have arisen during public unrest, such as the August 11, 2020, Bengaluru riots sparked by a post on Prophet Muhammad, where three individuals died amid clashes involving stone-pelting and arson; police faced accusations of inadequate leading to fatalities, including one youth shot during dispersal efforts, though official probes attributed deaths to mob violence rather than direct firing. In 2022, a Karnataka police officer was suspended after video evidence showed him assaulting anti-government protesters, highlighting isolated but documented lapses in restraint protocols. Investigation errors have resulted in miscarriages of , exemplified by the April 2025 case of tribal man from Chikkamagaluru, imprisoned for nearly two years on charges of murdering his missing wife before she appeared alive in ; this exposed flawed missing persons probes and reliance on presumptive evidence without exhaustive searches, fueling demands for oversight reforms. Karnataka High Court rulings have repeatedly flagged procedural defects in police investigations, such as illegal detentions or incomplete evidence collection, which courts deem vitiate trials only if causing grave prejudice, yet underscoring systemic gaps in verification standards.

Corruption and Internal Misconduct

The Karnataka Police has faced numerous allegations of , including and , often investigated by the Police, the state's agency. In September 2025, Lokayukta officials raided two police stations and arrested personnel caught accepting bribes in separate trap operations related to a sexual assault complaint and a YouTube content dispute. Similarly, two constables from Devanahalli and Vyalikaval stations were nabbed in unrelated cases the same month. In December 2024, a Bengaluru police inspector and five staff members were suspended for , , and dereliction of duty. The Karnataka High Court upheld a and case against a dismissed constable in October 2025, rejecting pleas to quash proceedings. Internal misconduct within the force includes dereliction of duty, , and . A video surfaced in March 2025 showing officers inside a , prompting an internal probe into breach of conduct rules. In January 2025, a was arrested on charges, highlighting vulnerabilities in internal oversight. Another officer faced accusations of toward a female complainant in a dispute case the same month, leading to public demands for accountability. Two officers, including a , were suspended in a matter involving a . In response, the issued directives in September 2025 prohibiting officers from mediating civil disputes, citing risks of and . Custodial deaths have underscored potential internal lapses, with recording five such incidents in 2022-23, often linked to excesses or cover-ups. A September 2024 case involved a bar worker's death during police custody, where investigations revealed irregularities in procedures and allegations of in concealing . data indicates broader challenges, with 219 officials raided statewide since January 2023, though police-specific convictions remain low due to legal delays in nearly half the cases. These incidents reflect persistent issues in enforcement and discipline, despite periodic suspensions and probes.

Political Interference and Human Rights Claims

Political interference in the Karnataka Police has been a persistent concern, with officers frequently citing from elected representatives in matters such as transfers and postings. In 2016, serving police personnel identified political interference as the primary challenge facing the force, surpassing issues like inadequate facilities. By 2021, this manifested prominently in transfers, where politicians dictated specific officer placements, undermining operational . High-profile instances under the Congress-led government include the June 10, 2025, suspension of Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda and four other senior IPS officers by , an action described as unprecedented and linked to unrelated administrative decisions involving sports bodies. Such interventions have drawn criticism for eroding morale and prioritizing political loyalty over merit. Human rights claims against the Karnataka Police primarily involve allegations of custodial , illegal detentions, and encounters, often adjudicated by the (KSHRC) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). In 2024, the KSHRC received 5,385 complaints, with 2,899 targeting police personnel by May 2025, though only 40 were referred to the internal police wing for investigation, indicating limited internal mechanisms. Between April and June 2025, 87 complaints of unlawful detention were filed with the KSHRC, 78% directed at police excesses. A notable case on May 31, 2025, saw the KSHRC indict a police inspector and two subordinates for illegal detention, brutality, and fabricating charges, ordering ₹15 lakh in compensation to victims and withholding the inspector's salary. Custodial deaths remain a focal point, with national data highlighting systemic issues of low prosecution rates; for instance, a January 2025 custodial death of a Muslim carpenter in police custody exemplified failures in accountability, as broader NHRC figures from 2021-22 showed only 21 disciplinary actions out of 155 police custody deaths nationwide. The NHRC took suo motu cognizance on October 15, 2025, of a Hubballi case involving the abduction, , and of a minor girl, followed by the accused's death in police encounter, directing inquiries into potential excesses. Additional allegations include of migrants in Bengaluru's IT corridor in July 2025, where police reportedly targeted workers under vice laws for payments. NHRC interventions have also addressed claims of unconstitutional and harassment, such as June 2025 probes into police questioning of workers without warrants in . These patterns reflect broader challenges in balancing with rights protections, with commissions noting delays in convictions and inadequate compensation enforcement.

Reforms and Recent Developments

Leadership Transitions and Policy Shifts

In April 2025, Alok Mohan, a 1987-batch IPS officer, received a 21-day extension as and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) for to facilitate compliance with Supreme Court-mandated fixed tenure guidelines for chiefs, following his scheduled retirement on April 30. His tenure concluded on May 21, 2025, marking the end of a period focused on internal security enhancements and units, during which cases decreased while white-collar offenses increased. Dr. M. A. Saleem, a 1993-batch IPS officer with prior experience in , control, and administrative reforms, assumed charge as the 43rd DG&IGP on May 21, 2025, with his appointment formalized as full-time on August 30, 2025, until further orders without a specified two-year tenure. Saleem introduced shifts emphasizing a transition from offender-centric to victim-centric policing, issuing a 10-point guideline to prioritize law and order maintenance, prevention of untoward incidents, transparency, and public safety improvements. His priorities included combating anti-national activities and enhancing citizen participation in policing efforts. To strengthen leadership depth, the Karnataka government promoted two 1995-batch IPS officers—Umesh Kumar to DGP rank heading and Arun Chakravarthy J. to continue at the Police Housing Corporation with DGP status—on September 12, 2025. Under Saleem's oversight, a major reshuffle transferred 35 IPS officers on July 15, 2025, impacting key areas like , , and , alongside the of 4,411 personnel to bolster enforcement capacity. Complementary initiatives, such as the 'Mane Manege Police' program launched on July 18, 2025, aimed to foster people-friendly policing practices.

Responses to Emerging Threats

Karnataka Police have intensified efforts against cyber threats, establishing specialized units and leveraging to address the surge in digital crimes, particularly in Bengaluru's tech ecosystem. In response to rising incidents, including a 74% increase to 21,889 reported s in 2023, the force set up 43 new cybercrime police stations staffed by deputy superintendent-level officers to bolster investigations. The (CID)'s Cyber Crime Division has focused on high-profile cases such as frauds, app scams, and SIM swap schemes, while integrating national helplines like for real-time response. A landmark initiative came in 2025 with the launch of India's first state-level Cyber Command Unit, incorporating AI-driven tools for autonomous threat detection and response, aimed at countering evolving tactics like AI-generated emails, which accounted for 82.8% of such scams in the state. Following a directive on September 10, 2025, the government was ordered to operationalize a Cyber Command Centre with integrated systems for tracking complaints and actions, reflecting judicial pressure to match infrastructure with the threat's scale, as halfway through 2025 saw 7,293 cases despite a reported dip from prior years. Police have also advocated for a unified national platform to streamline probes across jurisdictions, addressing challenges like mule accounts used in frauds. To combat drug trafficking, Bengaluru police have conducted aggressive crackdowns, seizing narcotics worth ₹81.21 crore in 2025 alone through intelligence-led operations targeting synthetic drugs like and . Central Narcotics Enforcement (CEN) stations and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) have dismantled networks using encrypted apps, fake numbers, and disguised shipments, such as a ₹3.81 crore bust involving drugs mislabeled as . Raids on venues like Pebble Bar in September 2025 led to arrests under the Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with eight individuals booked, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach amid Bengaluru's role as a transit hub for interstate syndicates. Against terrorism, Karnataka Police maintain vigilance through preventive measures under the Karnataka Public Safety (Measures) Act, 2017, which emphasizes gathering and rapid response to evolving threats witnessed in the state since the . Enhanced patrolling, community outreach, and coordination with central agencies address potential risks from and border vulnerabilities, though specific operational details remain classified to preserve . These responses integrate technology and inter-agency collaboration, adapting to hybrid threats where cyber elements intersect with narcotics and terror financing.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Directions

Karnataka Police face persistent staffing shortages, particularly in specialized units addressing cybercrimes, where detection rates remain low despite a surge in incidents; for instance, Bengaluru's eight Cybercrime Enforcement Network (CEN) stations registered 12,292 cases in 2023 but detected only 1,079, exacerbated by understaffing and a backlog of unresolved probes. Overall cybercrime losses in the state reached ₹2,915 crore in 2024, with Bengaluru accounting for over 51% of metropolitan cases, and incidents spreading to tier-II and III cities like Mysuru, where 8,620 cases were reported in the first seven months of 2025 alone. Additional pressures include rising non-traditional offenses, such as stunt biking ("wheelies"), with cases doubling from 2023 to 2024 and projected to increase further in 2025, alongside 14,878 missing children cases from 2020 to July 2025, straining investigative resources. Communal tensions in coastal districts like and , with 48 incidents in 2024, highlight challenges in maintaining order amid localized flashpoints, while slow progress in gender representation—despite recruitment drives—limits operational diversity. lapses, as seen in the 2025 Bengaluru stampede during a public event, underscore gaps in administrative coordination and legal frameworks for mass gatherings. To counter these, Karnataka Police have prioritized modernization, including the April 2025 formation of a dedicated cyber command unit under to enhance detection and response capabilities through specialized in technical skills. New M.A. Saleem, appointed in May 2025, emphasized victim-centric approaches, cyber recovery mechanisms, traffic enforcement, and internal integrity as focal areas. Broader initiatives involve integrating AI for and , alongside a 2024 law mandating minimum two-year tenures for operational officers to reduce disruptions from transfers. These steps aim to align with national modernization trends, though implementation hinges on addressing resource constraints and improving conviction rates, which remain abysmally low in cyber domains.

References

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