Manoj Kumar Verma, IPS was appointed Commissioner of Police, Kolkata Police, in September 2024. He is a seasoned Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1998 batch. He previously served as the Additional Director General (ADGP) and Inspector-General of Police (Law and Order) for West Bengal. Born in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, and raised across the country due to his father’s military service, Verma graduated in mechanical engineering before joining the IPS. His career includes key roles such as Superintendent of Police in West Midnapore, Inspector General of Police in Darjeeling, and Inspector General of the Anti-Corruption Branch. Known for his expertise in handling sensitive areas like Naxalite-affected Jangalmahal, he has built a reputation as a trusted and effective leader. In a conversation with
Anurag Sinha, Editor, The Kolkata PROTECTOR, Manoj Kumar Verma, IPS, discusses his perspective on law enforcement, highlighting his approach to strategic thinking, adaptability, and commitment to integrity, while focusing on the challenges and responsibilities of ensuring public safety and supporting his team.
As a decorated self-made police officer who has won many laurels, how do you see the change in policing in India?
Policing in India has undergone significant transformations, driven primarily by the evolving nature of crime. The increasing use of technology by criminals has compelled police forces to rethink and modernise their strategies, integrating advanced technological tools for effective policing.
At the same time, traditional methods such as intelligence gathering, maintaining a visible presence in communities, and fostering strong public relationships remain the foundation of effective policing. The blending of these time-tested practices with modern tools has allowed us to address a broader spectrum of challenges, including urban safety, Naxalism, and terrorism. The scope of policing has expanded, moving beyond conventional crimes to tackle emerging threats like online fraud, digital extremism, and privacy breaches. This evolution not only reflects the changing face of crime but also highlights the adaptability and resilience of the Indian police force.
What measures do you believe are critical to boosting the morale of the police force, while encouraging different police thanes and personnel?
Boosting morale within the police force is critical for fostering teamwork and ensuring operational efficiency. A high-performing force is built on trust, motivation, and a sense of belonging. Key initiatives include increased interaction between senior officers and junior personnel to bridge hierarchical gaps and enhance communication. Regular participation in group activities and events fosters camaraderie, while frequent field visits by senior officers signal their commitment to understanding and addressing grassroots challenges. Addressing grievances promptly and maintaining open communication channels further strengthen morale. Additionally, monitoring and improving the fitness levels of personnel ensure their physical and mental readiness to face challenges.
Ultimately, fostering a culture of teamwork, empathy, and mutual respect is key. When personnel feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and recognition, they are more likely to perform their duties with dedication and integrity.
What additional measures is Kolkata Police implementing to ensure the safety of women, alongside existing initiatives?
Women’s safety and security are paramount to Kolkata Police, and we are committed to continually evolving and strengthening our strategies to address this critical concern. We focus on a holistic approach and combine technology, community involvement, and operational efficiency to create safer spaces for women.
Recognising the need for proactive and comprehensive approaches, we have introduced several measures in addition to the existing protocols. These include:
1. Enhanced Training and Sensitisation: All personnel, from senior officers to the junior-most ranks, undergo repeated briefing and sensitisation sessions. This ensures a deep understanding of women’s safety concerns and cultivates an empathetic approach to handling such cases.
2. Targeted Surveillance: We have significantly increased CCTV coverage, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable through detailed crime data analysis. This provides real-time monitoring and acts as a deterrent to potential offenders.
3. Increased Police Presence: Deploying more officers in high-risk areas, especially during late hours, ensures that vulnerable zones are actively monitored and accessible help is available.
4. Infrastructure Improvements: Enhancing the illumination of sensitive areas and addressing blind spots in public spaces contribute to creating a safer environment.
5. Community and Public Sensitisation: Engaging with the public, especially students, through awareness campaigns and workshops promotes a culture of vigilance and mutual responsibility.
6. Efficient Crime Handling: Ensuring thorough investigation of crimes against women, timely submission of charge sheets, and active monitoring of trials underscores our commitment to justice.
The festive season witnessed seamless road traffic management by the Traffic Department of Kolkata Police. How was such a complex task executed with precision?
The festive season demands extensive preparation, often beginning months in advance. The first crucial step is conducting thorough debriefing sessions, and analysing past festivals to identify challenges and lessons learned. This reflection allows us to refine our strategies and address any issues that arose in previous years. Additionally, it is vital to gather feedback from organisers, stakeholders, and the community to understand their plans and expectations for the upcoming events.
We meticulously craft police arrangements after collaborative meetings with all relevant parties. These discussions ensure that everyone is aligned and prepared for the event. Officers and personnel are briefed in detail, with clear assignments and an emphasis on coordination. We also ensure that all necessary equipment and traffic management infrastructure such as barriers, signage, and control devices are ready. In planning, we prioritise key considerations such as public safety, traffic flow, and emergency preparedness to ensure a smooth and secure festive experience.
Key aspects of our planning include:
• Ensuring public safety at all times.
• Smooth traffic management to minimise disruptions and delays.
• Monitoring weather forecasts to prepare for adverse conditions.
• Addressing sudden, unplanned events with flexibility and prompt action.
We conduct coordination meetings with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless and comprehensive approach. These discussions help align goals, address potential challenges, and refine strategies for optimal execution. Once all arrangements are finalised, police operations are implemented precisely and clearly. Throughout the process, feedback from experienced field officers is continuously monitored, and any issues raised by the public are promptly addressed. If necessary, swift adjustments are made to the arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of the public, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness in dynamic situations.
It is often said that police personnel work under tremendous stress and strain. How do you address the mental health aspect of the Force? What advice would you give to the young men and women of the Kolkata Police?
Policing is an inherently demanding profession, and addressing the mental well-being of our personnel is as important as ensuring their physical fitness. A well-rounded approach to reducing stress includes regular activities that foster resilience and balance. These include:
• Physical Fitness Programmes: Regular jogging, running, and exercise regimens are essential to maintaining stamina and relieving stress.
• Yoga and Meditation: These practices help cultivate mental calmness and focus amidst daily challenges.
• Team Activities: Encouraging participation in games, cultural programmes, and other group engagements builds camaraderie and provides healthy outlets for stress relief.
• Work-Life Balance: Granting regular leaves, promoting family time, and providing a supportive work environment ensure our officers stay connected to their personal lives, which is vital for mental health.
I would like to encourage the young men and women of the Kolkata Police to stay disciplined and committed to your role as protectors of society. Take care of your well-being, seek help when needed,
and remember that strength comes from balance—mental, physical, and emotional.
Cyber fraud, particularly the so-called ‘digital arrest’ scam, is becoming a public nuisance across India. How is Kolkata Police tackling this growing threat?
Kolkata Police is fully equipped to combat emerging challenges like digital arrests, with a robust infrastructure to address such threats effectively. We employ advanced systems to monitor, analyse, and respond to cyber-related crimes, ensuring no stone is left unturned in our efforts to curb these offences. The foundational steps include the swift registration of FIRs, identification and arrest of individuals involved in such fraudulent activities, and ensuring a timely trial process to bring offenders to justice.
We actively encourage the public to report such crimes as early as possible, as prompt reporting is crucial in minimising the damage caused. To further bolster awareness, Kolkata Police conducts extensive outreach campaigns across various platforms, including social media, schools, colleges, workplaces, and large residential complexes. Additionally, we leverage mobile cyber labs to reach broader communities and educate the public on recognising and preventing digital fraud, creating a more informed and vigilant society.
As a very successful officer who has tackled Maoist threats to crisis scenarios in South Bengal, what would you attribute your success to?
Success in policing is never the result of individual effort alone—it is always the product of effective teamwork. I have learned that every challenge provides an opportunity for growth, and I make it a point to learn from every mistake. Quick adaptation to new technologies has been key in staying ahead of emerging threats while taking a deep, analytical approach to the issues at hand ensures that we address the root causes, not just the symptoms.
Gaining the public’s trust and support is equally important; their cooperation enables us to do our work effectively. Above all, I believe in the power of hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty. These values have guided me throughout my career.
Additionally, support from the government and administration plays a crucial role in the success of any police officer. When there is alignment across all levels, we can achieve far more than we could individually, ensuring that justice and public safety remain at the forefront of our efforts.
Do you have a message for new Civil Service aspirants?
To new Civil Service aspirants, my advice is simple but vital:
Work hard and remain disciplined. Stay positive and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges. Be a keen observer and a good listener as learning is a lifelong process. Above all, be a good human being. Your values and empathy will define your success in serving society.
The Indian Police Service is considered one of the most challenging and demanding profiles in Indian bureaucracy. What advice would you offer to young officers who have joined the cadre?
My advice to the young officers of the IPS is this:
• Be prepared to make sacrifices for the greater good and work tirelessly for those in need.
• Maintain a high level of discipline and keep your senses (ears and eyes) attuned to your surroundings.
• Always approach situations with flexibility but handle them with firmness and integrity, according to the law.
• Stay open to learning, as each experience is an opportunity for growth.
• Remember, nothing is impossible. With dedication and the desire to make a difference, the sky is the limit.
