DK Shivakumar splits Bengaluru police into five commissionerates

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Saturday that the Bengaluru Police Commissionerate will be reorganised into five separate commissionerates, part of a broader governance overhaul for the city. The move, he said, is aimed at improving public safety and bringing administration closer to citizens. New police stations will also be set up where needed.

Deccan Herald reports that serving and former police officers have mixed views: some welcome localised command, but many flag concerns over resources, coordination, and additional hierarchy. A former commissioner noted that while cities like Mumbai have multiple commissionerates, the proposed chief commissioner role overseeing them is untested. An ACP added that simply dividing the force without boosting manpower and infrastructure may create difficulties.

Shivakumar also announced a dedicated Anti-Rowdy Squad, a Rs 20,000 crore advanced manufacturing cluster at Doddaballapura, and a state-run motor insurance corporation. Mathrubhumi adds that the government will offer 7.5% reservation within rural quota for rural government school students seeking professional courses.