Bengaluru : In a significant administrative move, the Karnataka government has appointed senior IPS officer M.A. Saleem as the acting Director General (DG) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the state. The appointment comes in the wake of Alok Mohan’s retirement on May 21, reported the Newsminute.
Currently serving as the DGP of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Units, and Economic Offences in Bengaluru, Saleem will now hold additional charge as the Head of Police Forces in Karnataka until further orders.
A 1993 batch officer, Saleem brings a wealth of experience, having served as Superintendent of Police in Udupi and Hassan, and as Inspector General of Police of the Eastern Range. His earlier roles include heading the Anti-Corruption Bureau and supervising several high-profile investigations under the CID.
Known for his innovation and commitment to public service, Saleem has initiated several citizen-friendly projects including helplines for women, children, and the elderly, launched the Garuda Police Patrol, formed Special Action Forces in districts, and modernized traffic enforcement systems.
He has led various Special Investigation Teams (SITs) on landmark cases such as the IMA Ponzi scheme that defrauded 74,000 investors, cryptocurrency frauds, the Hassan sexual harassment case, a Rs 94 crore embezzlement in the Valmiki ST Corporation, the Police Sub-Inspector Recruitment Scam, and extortion allegations against a legislator.
Saleem’s decorated service includes the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2017), the Medal for Meritorious Service (2009), the National e-Governance Award for ICT innovation, and recognition from the Bureau of Police Research and Development in 2021. He also received the IRTE Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for his initiatives in road safety.
With a reputation for integrity, efficiency, and leadership, Saleem is likely to be confirmed as the full-time DG & IGP after the interim period.
