Bengaluru: In a move aimed at ensuring continuity and stability in police leadership, the Karnataka government has extended the tenure of senior IPS officer Dr. M.A. Saleem as the Director General and Inspector General of Police (Head of the Police Force) till August 29, 2027.
The extension has been granted in accordance with the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India (2006) case, which mandates a minimum tenure for police chiefs to insulate law enforcement from frequent transfers and administrative instability.
According to an official notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Services-4), Dr. Saleem will continue in office until August 29, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Appointment Background and Continuity in Leadership
Dr. Saleem initially assumed charge as in-charge DGP and Head of Police Force on May 21, 2025, following the retirement of his predecessor Alok Mohan, who completed his Supreme Court-mandated tenure. His appointment was formally confirmed on August 20, 2025.
The extension reflects the state government’s confidence in his leadership and administrative capabilities, particularly at a time when consistency in policing strategy is considered crucial.
A Distinguished IPS Career Spanning Over Three Decades
A 1993-batch IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre, Dr. M.A. Saleem has built an illustrious career marked by versatility and excellence. Over the years, he has served in 26 different capacities across the state, gaining deep insight into policing at grassroots as well as strategic levels.
His early assignments as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Sagar and Kushalnagar were notable for decisive action against timber smuggling and wildlife poaching. He also led crackdowns on organised Matka gambling and strengthened investigative frameworks to curb professional crime.
As Superintendent of Police in districts such as Udupi and Hassan, Dr. Saleem delivered impressive results, including maintaining peace during elections, reducing property-related crimes by nearly 50%, and recovering significant amounts of stolen property.
Champion of Community Policing and Public Welfare Initiatives
Dr. Saleem has been widely recognised for integrating community engagement with law enforcement. His initiatives such as:
- ‘Aasare’ for senior citizens
- ‘Spandana’ for women
- Child Help Line services
have received appreciation at both national and international levels.
His approach has consistently emphasised citizen participation and human-centric policing, setting benchmarks for inclusive law enforcement.
Leadership Roles Across Key Police Wings
Over the course of his career, Dr. Saleem has held several prominent positions, including:
- Inspector General of Police, Eastern Range
- Commissioner of Police, Mysuru City
- Special Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru
- Head of Anti-Corruption Bureau, Crime, and Administration wings
Currently, he also serves as Director General of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Karnataka, where he oversees investigations into high-profile and sensitive cases.
Pioneering Innovations in Traffic Management
Dr. Saleem is credited with transforming traffic management in Bengaluru through innovative, technology-driven solutions. His initiatives include:
- Implementation of one-way systems on 122 roads
- Introduction of Safe Routes to School programmes
- Launch of Automated Traffic Challaning Systems
- Development of Local Area Traffic Management Plans
- Citizen-driven enforcement initiatives like ‘Public Eye’
His efforts have significantly improved road safety and urban mobility.
Leading High-Profile Investigations
A strong advocate of scientific and thorough investigation, Dr. Saleem has supervised multiple Special Investigation Teams (SITs) probing major cases, including:
- IMA fraud case involving over 74,000 victims
- Multi-crore cryptocurrency hacking cases
- Hassan sexual harassment cases
- Misappropriation of ₹94 crore in Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation
- Police Sub-Inspector recruitment scam
- Cases involving sexual harassment and extortion against public representatives
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Saleem’s contributions have earned him several prestigious honours, including:
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2017)
- President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2009)
- National Award for e-Governance
- Commendation Disc from Bureau of Police Research and Development (2021)
- IRTE Prince Michael International Road Safety Award
Academic Excellence and Thought Leadership
Apart from his policing career, Dr. Saleem is an academic achiever and thought leader. He holds:
- Master of Commerce
- Master of Police Management
- Doctorate in Traffic Management from Bangalore University
An avid reader and writer, he has authored a book on traffic management in metropolitan cities and regularly contributes articles on contemporary policing issues in leading publications.
Strengthening Stability in Law Enforcement
The extension of Dr. M.A. Saleem’s tenure underscores Karnataka’s commitment to stable and effective policing leadership. By adhering to Supreme Court guidelines, the state aims to ensure continuity in reforms, better law enforcement outcomes, and sustained public trust.
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