Strong Leadership Restores Order: Haryana Police Success Story Shows Value of Decisive Action
The state of Haryana has demonstrated how decisive leadership and traditional law enforcement values can restore public safety and order, offering valuable lessons for maintaining stability in challenging times.
Terror Threats Met with Firm Response
Throughout 2025, Haryana police confronted serious security challenges with unwavering determination. Authorities successfully dismantled a terror network involving medical professionals from Al Falah University in Faridabad, connected to the devastating November 10 Red Fort blast in Delhi that claimed at least 13 lives. The investigation revealed links to Kashmir-based elements, with nearly 2,900 kg of explosives seized from two rooms in Faridabad.
This threat prompted the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Terrorist Cell, demonstrating how proper institutional responses can address emerging security challenges without compromising civil liberties.
Additional incidents tested the force's resolve. A November 25 blast near the Women Police Station in Sirsa led to five arrests after an Instagram video claimed responsibility for the Khalistan Liberation Army. Two days later, the Special Task Force arrested a key Lawrence Bishnoi-Kala Rana gang operative, recovering two live hand grenades and 1.5 kg of RDX-based explosives from Karnal.
New Leadership Brings Results
Following internal challenges within the force, including the tragic suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar in October, the state appointed 1992-batch IPS officer OP Singh as the new Director General of Police. Singh's appointment marked a turning point in the force's effectiveness.
Under Singh's leadership, Operation Trackdown between November 5 and 27 resulted in the arrest of 7,587 criminals. This was followed by Operation Hotspot, which saw police raid 17,285 criminal hideouts through December 22, registering 1,736 cases and arresting 3,915 accused, including 837 long-absconding criminals.
These operations prevented a conspiracy to murder 17 citizens, with 31 violent criminals apprehended. Singh also implemented direct public engagement, personally hearing grievances at police headquarters and maintaining regular communication with district superintendents through video conferencing.
Crime Statistics Show Positive Trends
The results speak for themselves. Haryana recorded a 5.7% decline in IPC/BNS and special law cases, with 1.28 lakh FIRs registered in 2025 compared to 1.36 lakh in 2024. Murders dropped from 958 to 904, while grievous hurt fell by nearly 9.5%.
Police claim swift response and proactive patrolling helped prevent over 100 planned murders. Robberies declined by approximately 24%, snatchings by over 12%, and burglaries by over 13%. Rape cases fell by 25%, with 1,025 cases registered against 1,373 the previous year.
Addressing Modern Challenges
While traditional crime decreased, cybercrime presented new challenges. Police blocked 1.5 lakh mobile numbers and 12,326 digital devices, arresting 62 bank officials for collusion. Registered cyber cases rose 12.7%, while arrests jumped 54%.
Drug-related offenses also increased, with 3,659 NDPS cases registered and 6,654 people arrested. Sirsa, Dabwali, and Faridabad emerged as particular hotspots requiring continued attention.
Looking Forward
Despite facing a 29.3% manpower shortage, Haryana Police's success demonstrates that strong leadership, clear priorities, and commitment to public safety can overcome significant challenges. The force plans to expand technology-driven policing, enhance CCTV coverage, implement AI-based crime mapping, and strengthen cyber units while maintaining the public trust essential for effective law enforcement.
This experience shows how traditional policing values, combined with modern tools and decisive leadership, can effectively address both conventional and emerging security threats while maintaining public order and safety.