Keeping Dharwad safe: A conversation with SP Gunjan Arya

Hubballi, 

Dharwad district faces many policing challenges. On one hand, there are village disputes, local crime groups, and law-and-order issues. On the other, there are growing concerns such as highway accidents, cybercrime, and crimes that cross district and state borders. Leading the district police through these challenges is Dharwad Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya. Under his leadership, the police have solved several important cases, including murder investigations and theft cases involving stolen property worth more than Rs 1 crore.

The department has also taken steps to improve road safety by identifying dangerous accident-prone spots and working to make them safer. In this exclusive interview with News Trail, SP Gunjan Arya speaks about recent achievements of the Dharwad police, efforts to tackle crime and illegal activities, the challenge of reducing road accidents, and the changes being made to make police stations more efficient and citizen-friendly. 

News Trail: Sir, could you highlight some of the major breakthroughs your team has achieved recently in solving criminal cases?

SP Gunjan Arya: We have had several significant detections recently. First, in Dharwad Rural, we solved the murder of a 19-year-old girl named Zakiya, who was tragically killed by her fiancé. Second, there was a case where criminals from Ramapur in Belagavi district murdered someone, dumped the body in our jurisdiction, and set it on fire; we successfully tracked them down.

We also solved the case involving Buddhist monks. One of our most commendable achievements was cracking the murder of an elderly woman, Vishalakshi, in Malligewad. The accused was absconding, but our team tracked him down after nearly 40 days. In Hubballi Rural (Bandiwad), criminals murdered a man and dumped his body on the road to make it look like a fatal accident. However, our investigating officers collected precise local intelligence and cracked the case. We also solved a contract killing (supari) in Dharwad Rural orchestrated by a husband against his wife.

News Trail: What about property offenses and recoveries?

SP Gunjan Arya: Our recovery rate has been excellent. During a joint operation in Haveri, we recovered intact jewelry worth Rs 1.15 Crore. Intact recoveries are crucial because they significantly aid the legal process and ensure higher conviction rates against the accused. We have also solved recent theft cases in Annigeri and Navalgund, tracking down offenders all the way from Belagavi. Finger print analysis has been a major asset for us this year.

News Trail: Dharwad district historically records over 300 fatal accidents annually. Have your recent interventions brought down these numbers?

SP Gunjan Arya: Yes, historically, we have seen upwards of 300 fatal accidents every year. However, we have taken this very seriously this year, and we are currently seeing a 10% to 15% reduction. Fatal accidents are a tragic, senseless loss of life. Every time a life is lost on the road, we treat it with the seriousness of a murder investigation.

News Trail: What specific measures have you taken to achieve this drop, especially regarding "blind spots"?

SP Gunjan Arya: Currently, there are 10 officially defined blind spots in our district, mostly along the PB Road and State Highways. Our approach is intervention-based. When ever an accident occurs, our officers visit the spot and summon the relevant authorities— whether it’s the PWD, NHAI, or Horticulture Department. We analyze why the accident happened. Is it speeding? Is it poor visibility at night?

For example, there was a dangerous 'S' curve near Annigeri (after Bhadrapura) that witnessed 5 to 6 accidents every year. I sat down with NHAI officials, and we installed progressive rumble strips. Fortunately, in the last 6 to 7 months, there hasn't been a single fatal accident there. Additionally, utilizing government funds, we have installed 200 to 300 warning boards across the district to alert drivers about speed limits and danger zones.

News Trail: How is the department curbing the activities of rowdy sheeters and anti-social elements?

SP Gunjan Arya: We are monitoring over 250 rowdy sheeters in the district. Last year, we externed three in dividuals. We maintain continuous surveillance on them across all ranks—from the SP and DySP down to the ASIs and constables. We conduct regular rowdy parades to warn them and keep track of their activities.

We also utilize "bond overs" as a preventive measure; if a rowdy violates the bond, their money or property gets attached. This has already been enforced in three instances through the Tahsildar. Further more, the government has authorized the formation of a new Rowdy Squad, which will be operational very soon. 

News Trail: There are complaints about illegal liquor sales in rural dhabas and shops. What is your response?

SP Gunjan Arya: We are consistently filing cases against these offenders. However, when individuals become repeat offenders, simply filing a case isn't enough. We have now started initiating externment proceedings against repeat offenders to take the strongest possible action. We also work in parallel with the Excise Department when law and order issues arise.

News Trail: How is the in frastructure of the police de partment being upgraded? Is there a plan to modernize older stations and offices? 

SP Gunjan Arya: The government provides us with substantial facilities, including vehicles, fuel, and residential quarters for our staff. Upgrading infrastructure is a continuous process. For instance, we currently have 12 new quarters ready for inauguration in Garag. Construction for new quarters is ongoing in Dharwad Rural for both officers and staff.

As for the aesthetic and modernization aspect of our offices, the old concept was that a police station should look intimidating. That thinking is changing. Modernization doesn't happen overnight; it is an ongoing process. We recently upgraded our SP office meeting hall, and we are slowly transforming our facilities to be more welcoming and modern.

News Trail: Can you tell us about new policing systems like the e-Beat and the Locked House Beat System?

SP Gunjan Arya: We have launched the Locked House Beat System. If residents inform us that they are locking their house and going out of town, we temporarily install a CCTV camera at their residence for those few days to ensure security and capture footage in case of any untoward incidents.