Tech, traffic, trust: MA Saleem’s blueprint for Karnataka policing

Bengaluru: Karnataka’s policing is at the crossroads. Mr MA Saleem, the newly appointed Director General and Inspector General of Police, brings to the post a rare combination of operational depth and academic expertise. A 1993-batch IPS officer, he has completed over two dozen assignments across the state from district policing to city command besides handling special units and economic-offences probes.

Known nationally for his pioneering work in traffic management, Saleem holds a doctorate in the subject and is the author of 'Traffic Management in Metro politan Cities.' His one-way road schemes and data led traffic strategies once earned him the nickname “One-Way Saleem.”

Beyond mobility, he has led the Criminal Investigation Department and worked across cyber, financial and serious-crime investigations. In an exclusive conversation with News Trail, he outlines a tech-first, capacity-driven agenda to decongest cities, counter narcotics, curb hoaxes and modernise Karnataka’s policing. Excerpts:

Q. Bengaluru’s policing needs a mindset shift; what does that mean to you?
With the evolving nature of society, crime patterns have shifted from physical offences like dacoity and theft to digital offences and cybercrimes which are on the rise. Our focus has changed from traditional policing methods to modern and hi-tech policing in order to address new age crimes.

This could enhance policing effectiveness and fairness. In Bengaluru, we're leveraging tech to boost crime detection, investigation, and prevention. With over 5 lakh CCTV cameras city-wide, we are capturing incidents and gather ing evidence effectively. We have also developed advanced cyber investigation tools.

To enhance capabilities, we have set up a Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR) in the Criminal In vestigation Department (CID), training 20,000 police personnel and judicial officers in Karnataka on cybercrime investigations.

Additionally, we are re searching new investigation methods and have a new Cybercrime Investigation Manual (cyber crimes and cyber law, best practices in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation procedures) in place that has been shared across the country to improve effective policing.

Q. As a pioneer in traffic management changes in the state, what’s the single biggest fix?
Traffic congestion is a common challenge faced by metropolitan cities in India and other developing countries. Bengaluru's traffic woes stem from three main issues, excessive traffic volume beyond road capacity, inadequate public transport with only 47% modal share compared to 80% in Western cities, and the city's radial road network causing central congestion.

The best solution to tackle worsening traffic is enhancing public transport usage. With metro lines becoming operational, like the yellow line which has reduced congestion on routes like Silk Board junction to Electronic City, we can expect better traffic management. Encouraging public transport over personal vehicles can significantly ease congestion.

Q. When it comes to Ponzi scams like IMA, how do you ensure justice for victims?
The IMA scam investigation is progressing well, with charge sheets submitted in most cases. Initially, we had 468 cases registered in CID (2018 to 2022) before the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act (BUDS) 2019, came into force, and additional cases under the Karnataka Protection of Interests of Depositors (KPID) Act. Awareness has increased, leading to more cases being reported, and we're working diligently to investigate them.

Q. What’s the strategy against drugs and addiction among youth?
The Government of Karnataka is intensifying its war on drugs through the Anti-Narcotic Task Force(ANTF).The initiative includes random testing for youngsters (18 to 40 age group), especially those out late at night. Successful trials in Mysuru and Belagavi have detected 400 cases in the former alone in just two months.

The focus is on surveillance of drug peddlers and consumers, with strict action against them. As of August, 2025, we have a total number of 4270 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic (NDPS) Act cases registered.

Q. How are Dalit atrocity cases handled differently today?
To tackle Dalit atrocity cases effectively, we have established 33 exclusive police stations under the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE). These stations, headed by DySP-rank offi cers, will ensure focused investi gations. Our priority is preventing atrocities against SC/STs, with investigations completed and charge sheets submitted within 60 days. This enables early trials and timely justice for victims.

Q. What policy changes do you think are necessary to tackle the spread of hatred on social media?
We have established a social media and fact-checking wing in every police station to monitor and track down offensive content and misinformation on social media. Necessary criminal action will be taken against those spreading false information. Additionally, district-level fact-checking units will debunk fake news and provide accurate information to the public.

Q. Should police stations publish performance indica tors publicly?
The India justice report 2025 categorizes Karnataka as the no 1 state in the country for our police service delivery system.

Q. Hoax bomb threats at schools, how serious is the challenge?
Many hoax call cases have been detected and booked. But certain emails sent from international IP addresses can't be traced. People must not indulge in such criminal activities.

Q. Petty bribery at beat/traffic levels, how do you address it?
The police department's strength lies in efficiency, effectiveness, and public trust. Corruption undermines its purpose, eroding public confidence and officer morale. We have a police complaint authority to address corruption complaints. Reporting such incidents promptly is crucial.

The rise in reported sexual harassment cases against women and children under POCSO shows that people are now more willing to report without fear or taboo.

Q. Do you think the sanctioned police strength is sufficient for K'taka's population?
There has always been a shortage. Using resources optimally is the key. With tech-driven policing we can manage better with less man power.

Q. If you could change one law tomorrow, what would it be?
I would implement a three shift system for policemen. Given that they work long hours, this adjustment would enhance their efficiency. Specifically, one change I have wanted to make is altering the cap of the policeman.

Q. Do you see yourself joining politics after retirement?
(Smiles). There is no way I would get into politics. I am an academician and my in terests lie in this.