After serving in the district for over two years, Nainital SSP PN Meena has been transferred to the post of Superintendent of Police in the Vigilance Establishment. During his tenure in the district, he remained in the news for controversies. The Banbhulpura incident, along with other cases involving the kidnapping of Zilla Parishad members, tarnished the image of the Nainital police not only in the state but also across the country.
During SSP PN Meena’s tenure, the Banbhulpura incident in February 2024 brought Haldwani into the national spotlight. Many people lost their lives in the Banbhulpura riots. Police had to open fire on rioters to control the situation. The situation in the area returned to normal after a curfew was imposed. Many accused in the case remain in jail. Even after several of them were granted bail in recent days, questions were raised about the police investigation. In May, the rape of an innocent girl in Nainital had created a tense atmosphere in the peaceful hills. Even then, the SSP was targeted by locals. Following this, in August, family members and public representatives protested against the police for justice in the case of the strangulation of an innocent child in the Kathgodam area.
The police faced criticism for the delay in solving the case. Then, the case of the open kidnapping of Zilla Panchayat members in Nainital during the District Panchayat President election was even discussed in the Assembly. Congress leaders questioned the police’s performance and launched a campaign against the SSP. The High Court reprimanded the SSP in the case and made harsh comments about the deteriorating law and order situation. The kidnapping and shootings in the district, which had remained calm during the Panchayat elections, tarnished the police’s reputation.
2014-batch IPS officer Manjunath TC will take charge of the district.
2014-batch IPS officer Manjunath TC will be the new SSP of Nainital. Manjunath, previously posted as Superintendent of Police at the Intelligence Headquarters, has previously served as SSP of Almora and Udham Singh Nagar. Manjunath, who served as the Commandant of IRB II and the PAC 40th Battalion during his early service, is considered a straightforward and composed IPS officer. Having previously held the positions of SP Traffic and Crime in Haridwar, he has also served as SP in Dehradun. My City Reporter
Challenges facing the new SSP
– Deteriorating traffic and congestion in the city.
– Increasing hit-and-run cases within the city.
– Increasing cases of smack and hashish smuggling.
– Stopping the daily thefts in the city.
