Beed, Maharashtra: IPS officer Navneet Kanwat, a 2017 batch officer currently serving as Superintendent of Police in Beed district, is winning admiration across Maharashtra—not just for his dedication to duty, but also for his emotional intelligence, language skills, and humane policing.
Mr Kanwat, originally from Shajapur village in Alwar district of Rajasthan, recently made headlines after the Beed police reunited a couple with their son who had been missing for eight years. The emotional reunion video, where Kanwat is seen stopping the boy’s father from touching his feet and instead embracing him, has gone viral—triggering widespread appreciation from civil society, political figures, and citizens alike.
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Heartwarming Reunion: A Case That Touched Many
The young boy had gone missing in December 2017, reportedly overwhelmed by academic pressure while studying in Class 10. Living away from his parents, who worked in Karnataka, the child never returned and was presumed missing, though no official complaint was filed at the time due to the family’s lack of awareness.
The case was finally handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), led by PSI Pallavi Jadhav, under the leadership of SP Navneet Kanwat. In less than a month, the police traced the youth who had been working various jobs in Pune and Gujarat. Through patient counseling and persistent efforts, officers convinced him to return and reunite with his parents.
ह्याला म्हणतात संवेदनशील आणि कर्तव्यदक्ष पोलिस.
— Mrs Anjali Damania (@anjali_damania) August 11, 2025
माझ्या बीड जिल्ह्यातील PSI पल्लवी जाधव यांना मनापासून सलाम. एक मुलगा जो घर सोडून निघून गेला होता, त्याचा शोध घेऊन आई आणि मुलाला सुखरूप एकत्र करण्यासाठी त्यांना प्रचंड मेहनत घेतली.
Well done PSI पल्लवी !
ह्या दुसऱ्या वीडियो मधे… pic.twitter.com/UBCx1rLFp1
Winning Praise Beyond Policing
While this heart-touching case brought Kanwat back into the spotlight, it’s not the first time he’s been praised publicly. During the Hindi-Marathi language debate that stirred tensions in Maharashtra last month, Kanwat earned applause for delivering an impactful speech entirely in fluent Marathi—despite being a non-native speaker.
His commitment to integrating with local communities has earned him praise from figures like activist Anjali Damania, who lauded both him and PSI Pallavi Jadhav for their work.
The Journey of Navneet Kanwat: Humble Beginnings to National Service
Kanwat’s story is one of grit, humility, and transformation. Born into a middle-class family, his father worked in the Railways, and his mother was a school headmistress in Uttar Pradesh. He studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya and later in a Sainik School, where his academic journey took a turn after a motivational push from his father.
After topping his school and completing a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Roorkee, Kanwat worked in Hyderabad before deciding to pursue civil services. He cleared UPSC IES and then the IPS exam in 2017, securing a position that would eventually bring him to Maharashtra.
Sensitivity in Uniform: A New Face of Policing
Known for his empathetic approach, Kanwat has previously served in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and Dharashiv (Osmanabad). Since taking charge in Beed in December 2023, he has focused on community engagement, language inclusivity, and compassionate policing.
Speaking about his journey, Kanwat recalls crying upon clearing the UPSC Mains — a moment of emotional release after years of hard work. That same sensitivity now reflects in his leadership style as an IPS officer.
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“Believe in Yourself and Keep Moving Forward”
Kanwat believes that self-confidence and hard work can overcome any barrier — be it language, background, or past failures. His dedication to learning Marathi, connecting with locals, and delivering impactful governance continues to make him a role model in the state.