Telangana CM Revanth Reddy pledges full support to families of police personnel killed in line of duty

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday (October 20, 2025) paid rich tributes to police officials killed in action and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare of police personnel, while addressing the Police Flag Day programme in Hyderabad.

“Police means trust and assurance to society. Even when faced with life-threatening situations, the police never back down from their duty. It is our responsibility to remember those who have laid down their lives for our safety,” he said, calling the day a solemn occasion to honour those who died in the line of duty.

Mr. Reddy said that 191 police personnel across the country and six in Telangana sacrificed their lives this year. Among them were Greyhounds commandos T. Sandeep, V. Sridhar, and N. Pavan Kalyan, Assistant Commandant Banothu Jawaharlal, and Nalgonda constable B. Saidu. He also remembered CCS constable Empalli Pramod Kumar, who was killed in Nizamabad three days ago.

The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore to Pramod’s family, along with his last drawn salary until retirement, a government job for a family member, and a 300-yard house plot. An additional ₹16 lakh would be provided from police welfare funds, he said. He also noted that land had been allotted to families of 33 policemen who died in a Maoist attack in Orissa in 2008.

Highlighting the achievements of the Telangana Police, the Chief Minister said the department had been ranked first in the country, in the India Justice Report 2025. He credited the force for adopting new technology and maintaining public safety, adding that its work in passport verification had also earned praise from the Ministry of External Affairs.

“The Telangana Police has set an example for the country in tackling terrorism, extremism, white-collar crimes, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and other anti-social activities. Our newly formed ‘Eagle’ wing is effectively leading the fight against the drug menace. It is our resolve to make Telangana a drug-free State,” he said.

He lauded the department’s use of technology in combating evolving crimes, including cyber fraud and digital offences, and said the government had established a Cyber Security Bureau led by a DGP-rank officer. “The Bureau has become a model for other States, conducting even inter-State operations against cybercriminals,” he said.

Calling upon Maoists to join the mainstream, the Chief Minister said peace in Telangana was achieved through the sacrifices and perseverance of the police. He urged those still underground to surrender and participate in the nation’s progress.

He pointed out that the government had provided key postings to women IPS officers heading departments such as the Telangana Police Academy, Prisons, SIB, ACB, CID, Vigilance, CCS, and the Cyber Security Bureau, and that seven women officers now serve as DCPs in Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda commissionerates.

“The work of the police is like walking on the edge of a sword. Every moment is a test, every day a struggle,” he said, acknowledging their daily challenges in crime control, investigation, traffic management, and public safety.

He added that the government had recruited 16,000 constables and Sub Inspectors and ensured freedom from political interference. Families of police martyrs are being provided jobs, housing, medical care, education, and other benefits, he said, adding that ex-gratia payments have been enhanced up to ₹2 crore for senior officers.

Mr. Reddy announced that a special educational institution, the Young India Police School in Manchirevula, Rangareddy district, has been started to offer quality education to the children of police personnel and civilians. He also recalled that Olympian Nikhat Zareen and cricketer Mohammed Siraj were appointed as DSPs, calling it a move that elevated the prestige of the force.

“Transparency, accountability, and ethics must remain the pillars of policing,” he said. “Friendly policing is for law-abiding citizens, not for those who break the law. The police must protect democratic rights while ensuring public peace.”

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said, “The sacrifices of our police martyrs are priceless. On this Police Flag Day, I pay my heartfelt tributes to them and assure that our government will continue to support their families in every possible way.”