Hyderabad, a city whose boundaries are constantly swelling, now faces the complexities of a true megacity. Appointed as commissioner on 30 September 2025, V.C. Sajjanar sat down with The Hindu to discuss how the inclusion of key government installations under a single commissionerate has streamlined coordination and boosted public safety.

Unified Management of Strategic Installations

From the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) and Begumpet Airport to the High Court, Secretariat, ministers’ quarters and several other critical sites, all now fall under the Hyderabad police jurisdiction. Earlier, fragmented oversight created coordination gaps; today, a single chain of command enables faster response and tighter monitoring.

Top Priorities: Drugs, Cyber Crime & Food Safety

The commissioner identified three pillars of his agenda. First, drug suppression – the Narcotics Enforcement Wing and the specialized EAGLE unit have disrupted supply chains and are tackling both supply and demand. Second, cyber crime – Hyderabad’s status as an IT hub makes it a prime target, with an estimated loss of about ₹1 crore per day to online fraud. Sajjanar stresses that this is an ecosystem problem involving banks, telecom operators, ISPs and regulators, not just policing.

Third, food adulteration – a direct threat to public health. The police have partnered with state authorities to push for stricter legal provisions, aiming to safeguard the nation’s nutritional well‑being.

De‑addiction Networks and Community Involvement

Hyderabad has pioneered a network of 33 de‑addiction centres, the largest such framework in the country. Parents increasingly approach the police for help, making these centres a vital component of the broader strategy. Sajjanar underscores that lasting change requires cooperation among families, health professionals and governmental bodies.

Traffic Management and Infrastructure Projects

Rapid urbanisation has led to a surge in vehicle numbers, exacerbating traffic woes. Despite regular enforcement drives, violations persist, pointing to a need for cultural shift alongside stricter enforcement. Ongoing projects under the Hyderabad‑City Innovative and Transformative Infrastructure (H‑CITI) initiative—flyovers, underpasses and smart corridors—promise to ease congestion, especially around KBR Park and major arterial routes.

Technology’s Role: AI and Data‑Driven Policing

Artificial intelligence is being integrated into surveillance and predictive analytics, allowing the force to anticipate crime hotspots and allocate resources efficiently. By breaking the “mule account” and “fake SIM” cycles, the police aim to dismantle the cyber‑crime ecosystem at its core rather than merely arresting individuals.