Nagpur: Amitesh Kumar, the city’s top cop, has achieved the distinction of becoming the longest-serving Commissioner of Police in the Second Capital of the State. Following his extension, he completed three years as Nagpur CP on September 4, 2023.
During CP Kumar’s tenure, Nagpur Police witnessed the lowest number of murders in a year and even experienced its first murder-free month. In the year 2022, Nagpur City Police achieved a historic feat, recording the lowest murder count in the 21st century, with only 65 cases, the lowest in 21 years. February 2022 marked a significant milestone for both Nagpur City and its Police force as, for the first time in the last decade, the Second Capital of the State registered zero murders in that month.
Kumar’s remarkable tenure as the Commissioner of Police in Nagpur not only underscores his commitment to maintaining law and order but also highlights the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with this prestigious position. Nagpur, often referred to as the “Orange City,” holds immense cultural and historical significance in the region, making it imperative for the police force to ensure the safety and security of its residents and key institutions.
According to norms, an officer cannot be transferred before completing a two-year tenure at one place, but extensions may be granted at the discretion of the government based on administrative decisions. Despite instances of murders and daylight robberies, Kumar has managed to ensure that the crime records reflect a positive trend, statistically speaking. The state government is also known to have appreciated his efforts in keeping top criminals – Santosh Ambekar, Ranjit Saphelkar, and Raju Vadre – and their associates behind bars.
It’s worth noting that the Nagpur posting is always considered highly sensitive, with the security of places like the RSS headquarters, Hedgewar Smruti Bhavan, and Deekshabhoomi directly linked to the competence of the CP and his team. Senior IPS officers have avoided taking up the Nagpur posting, leading to Kumar’s retention by the government.
The present government has replaced most of the city police chiefs and SPs, except for Kumar, who is currently completing his fourth tenure as a CP after serving in Amravati, Aurangabad, and Solapur.
Kumar’s ability to achieve record-low crime rates and his unwavering dedication to public safety have earned him the respect and admiration of both citizens and government officials. His tenure serves as a testament to the critical role played by law enforcement in safeguarding the city’s heritage and the well-being of its residents.
Speaking to Nagpur Today, Kumar said that it is the collective effort of his colleagues, the media, and Nagpurians that he has successfully completed three years in Nagpur city.
– Ravikant Kamble & Shubham Nagdeve