Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo, a 2013-batch IPS officer from Odisha, has earned recognition for his practical approach to law enforcement and public safety. Born in Sikar, Rajasthan, he began his career as a probationer in the Rourkela Police District. Over the years, he has served as SDPO Barbil in Keonjhar District and later as Superintendent of Police in five districts—Sambalpur, Rourkela, Koraput, Bargarh, and Nabarangpur. His work spans Naxal-affected areas, industrial and mining regions, communally sensitive zones, and high-crime districts, highlighting his ability to adapt to diverse challenges.
“Every posting brings its own set of challenges,” Mr Bhamoo told Indian Masterminds in an exclusive video interview. “I approach each situation by understanding the local dynamics and identifying practical solutions rather than just following standard procedures.”
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RESTORING HARMONY AND REDUCING CRIME
Mr Bhamoo first gained attention for his work in Rourkela and Sambalpur, districts that had recently witnessed communal violence. Tasked with restoring peace, he combined firm law enforcement with proactive engagement with local communities. His measures not only reduced tensions but also helped curb crime, earning appreciation from industrialists, trade unions, and women’s organisations.
MANAGING ELECTIONS SMOOTHLY
Known for his efficiency, Mr Bhamoo played a significant role in managing elections in high-profile constituencies. During the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Bargarh and Sambalpur, he ensured free and peaceful polling. His planning was acknowledged by the Election Commission, observers, and political parties, and he received the Best Election Management Award for his work.
RESPONDING DURING COVID-19
During the COVID-19 crisis, Mr Bhamoo coordinated the transport of over 700 oxygen tankers from Rourkela to twelve states. As Nodal Officer, he oversaw logistics, security, and coordination, ensuring life-saving oxygen reached hospitals promptly. The Odisha Government publicly appreciated his role, highlighting his ability to manage high-pressure situations efficiently.
“The pandemic was unlike any other challenge I had faced,” he recalls. “It required planning, speed, and cooperation across departments. The focus was always on saving lives.”
FIH MEN’S HOCKEY WORLD CUP 2023
IPS Bhamoo was deeply involved in the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023. The Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, built in just 15 months, hosted over 50,000 spectators daily. Bhamoo managed security, crowd control, and traffic management, despite limited existing surveillance infrastructure. His efforts were lauded by the media, FIH officials, and the Odisha Government.
“Security planning for an event of this scale has to cover every small detail—from crowd movement to emergency response,” he notes.
TECHNOLOGICAL AND OPERATIONAL INNOVATIONS
Mr Bhamoo introduced a high-performance Scorpio Specialised Vehicle to strengthen the Dial 112 emergency response system. Equipped with a 360° PTZ camera, GPS, VHF communication, and a Public Address system, the vehicle is integrated with the police control room for real-time monitoring. It supports law and order operations, crowd control, mobile CCTV surveillance, traffic enforcement, VVIP security, highway monitoring, rapid emergency response, and festival safety. The vehicle also allows quick CCTV deployment, monitors encroachments, and improves patrolling efficiency.
ANTI-NARCOTICS AND CRIME MANAGEMENT
In Koraput, Bhamoo led aggressive anti-narcotics operations, seizing over 60,000 kg of ganja and arresting 411 individuals—among the highest in India. He also effectively managed Naxal threats, maintaining peace while supporting industrial expansions. In Sambalpur, he successfully handled communal tensions during festivals, bomb incidents, and organised crime, including the arrest of a notorious interstate gold dacoity gang.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND POLICING PHILOSOPHY
IPS Bhamoo emphasises the importance of community engagement in policing: “Understanding the community is essential. You cannot enforce law in isolation. Regular engagement with local leaders, business owners, and residents is crucial to effective policing.” He also stresses technology’s role: “We have to use available tools wisely—CCTV, drones, control rooms—they enhance our response and help prevent incidents before they escalate.”
SOLUTION-ORIENTED LEADERSHIP
He is recognised for solution-orientated leadership, addressing critical challenges through in-depth analysis rather than a conventional management approach that provides temporary relief. With foresight and strategic acumen, he combines analytical clarity with decisive action, curbing recurring issues and building enduring systems. His approach enhances operational efficiency while strengthening public confidence and institutional accountability. He tackles critical challenges with foresight, in-depth analysis, and decisive action, favouring sustainable solutions over conventional management approaches—with strategic acumen that enhances operational efficiency, public confidence, and institutional accountability.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
IPS Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo’s consistent excellence has been formally recognised through multiple awards:
- DGP Commendation Roll
- DGP’s Disc. 2021
- Governor’s Police Medal 2023
These accolades underscore his effectiveness in law enforcement, community engagement, and crisis management across Odisha’s most sensitive districts.
LEGACY AND IMPACT
Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo’s record reflects operational expertise, technological innovation, and hands-on community engagement. From election management and disaster response to anti-narcotics operations, communal harmony, and large-scale public events, his approach blends practical solutions with careful planning.
He continues to set high standards in policing, shaping safer communities, and redefining law enforcement practices in Odisha. His focus remains clear: effective policing that serves the people, strengthens trust, and ensures the system works efficiently for everyone.
