Kullu SP Karthikeyan's Impressive Record Amid Viral Controversy
Kullu Superintendent of Police Faces Misunderstanding
Munish Sood
MANDI: In today's digital age, where social media can distort reality, even the most dedicated public servants can be misjudged. This was evident in the case of IPS officer Karthikeyan G, the Superintendent of Police in Kullu, whose unwavering dedication was questioned following the circulation of a brief, misleading video.
A recent clip showing Karthikeyan seemingly asleep during an official event with the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister gained traction online. Without context, various media outlets sensationalized the incident, leading to a wave of online criticism. However, the video did not disclose the officer's ongoing health issues and the medication side effects that contributed to his fatigue, as he explained when contacted for clarification.
“I have been dealing with health challenges for the past six months and am under treatment. The medications have caused fatigue, but I have remained committed to my responsibilities,” he stated. Contrary to claims of negligence, Karthikeyan has effectively led the Kullu police since taking charge in February 2024, according to a district administration official.
His leadership has been marked by significant achievements that have enhanced law enforcement and public safety in the region. The official highlighted several key statistics from February 2024 to May 2025 that underscore the positive impact of his tenure.
Achievements in Crime Control and Investigation
Crime control & investigation
• Achieved a 100% resolution rate for murder cases, including two complex blind murder investigations; overall murder cases decreased by 50% compared to the previous year.
• Rape cases saw a 36% reduction, with all cases solved within 60 days of reporting.
• Successfully resolved 94% of kidnapping and abduction cases.
• Preventive policing strategies led to a 43% decrease in theft incidents.
• Crimes against women dropped by 21%, thanks to a more responsive and gender-sensitive policing approach.
Efforts in the War Against Drugs
War against drugs
• Registered 241 NDPS cases in 2024, marking the second-highest in the district's history.
• Arrested 231 individuals, including 15 from Nepal.
• Seized 73.2 kg of charas, 998.7 grams of heroin, and 1.2 kg of opium.
• Destroyed 168,000 poppy plants and over 2.65 million cannabis plants, reflecting a strict anti-drug stance.
Traffic Management and Public Safety Initiatives
Traffic & public safety
• Managed 17.9 lakh vehicles and nearly 98.5 lakh tourists in areas like Banjar, Parvati Valley, and Manali.
• Issued 122,834 traffic challans, collecting over ₹2.06 crore in fines.
• Penalized 921 for drunken driving and 33,650 for speeding violations.
• Achieved a 17% reduction in road accident fatalities through rigorous enforcement and safety campaigns.
Cybercrime and Surveillance Enhancements
Cybercrime & surveillance
• Addressed 790 cybercrime complaints, refunding over ₹4.16 lakh to victims, with more refunds pending.
• Established a District Command and Control Centre and installed 90 new CCTV cameras for improved monitoring.
• Expanded Integrated Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) at critical locations such as Babeli and Patlikuhal.
Support for Police Welfare and Recognition
Police welfare & recognition
• Provided ₹74.4 lakh in welfare loans to 58 police personnel.
• Approved 19 new family quarters and awarded 43 commendations to officers for outstanding service.
• Achieved high rankings for Bhuntar police station and the women’s police station in Kullu based on CCTNS performance metrics for 2024.
Disaster Response and Community Engagement
Disaster response
• During last year’s severe cloudbursts, the district police, under his leadership, rescued 566 individuals from perilous locations.
Additionally, he has successfully managed police recruitment and general elections without any controversies during his brief tenure.