Drug trafficking, traffic management to be top priorities: Police Commissioner

Prakash Nikam assumed the role of Police Commissioner in Belagavi on Thursday, succeeding Borase Bhushan Gulabrao. A delegation of officers, including Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan and Deputy Commissioners Narayan Baramani and Niranjan Raje Urs, greeted Mr. Nikam. Mr. Gulabrao was given a farewell. The appointment event, initially set for August 30, was delayed after Satish Jarkiholi, the district in-charge Minister, expressed confusion about the change of officers during a press conference.

The Minister later defended the transfer, claiming it was a decision made by the State government. Kannada organizations had previously protested the transfer, citing Mr. Borase's handling of differences between Kannada and Marathi speakers. Mr. Nikam, an IPS officer from the 2012 batch, is originally from Maharashtra and previously served as Superintendent of Police in Bidar and Vijayapura.

He stated he would maintain the progress initiated by Mr. Borase, focusing on topics like traffic management and cybercrime. Mr. Borase expressed gratitude to his subordinates and residents, recalling successful efforts in combating drugs, scams, and cyber criminals through team work. He also mentioned his enjoyment of the 15 months spent in Belagavi, including efforts to address accident spots on the national highway with the help of professors from KLS GIT engineering college. Mr. Borase implored officers to continue their support to the new Commissioner.