Arul RB Krishna takes over as Thiruvananthapuram City Police Chief

Arul RB Krishna assumed charge as District Superintendent of Police (Thiruvananthapuram City) on Monday. He replaced K. Karthick, who was transferred as Deputy Inspector General of Police, Thrissur Range.

A 2012 Kerala cadre IPS officer, Dr. Krishna, served as Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ernakulam Range, before his last posting. A native of Thiruvananthapuram, he holds MBBS and MD degrees and brings with him a diverse police background that includes serving as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor, Superintendent of Police (Railways) and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram City Police a decade ago.

K. Karthick greets Arula RB Krishna who took over as District Superintendent of Police (Thiruvananthapuram City)

Speaking to The Hindu after assuming office, Dr. Krishna said his knowledge of the city and its policing challenges will help him develop a holistic understanding of issues affecting law and order in the capital.

“I will focus on strengthening basic policing to ensure a safe environment for the public to carry on with their normal lives,” he said.

He emphasized the need for community participation and pointed out that policing will not work in isolation but in close coordination with the public. He said residents’ associations, traders’ organizations and local communities would be actively involved in police initiatives.

“We want every citizen to become a partner in policing. People should feel confident to share information, offer suggestions and work with the police to maintain law and order,” he said.

The officer also highlighted the growing importance of technology in policing as Thiruvananthapuram is undergoing rapid transformation, especially with the establishment of the Vizhinjam International Seaport.

“Thiruvananthapuram is poised for a major development trajectory. As the city evolves into an international port city, the police must also keep pace with new challenges. Technology will be used to ensure safety and security and raise policing standards to global levels,” he said.

On the challenges posed by the evolving political scenario in the city, which recently witnessed incidents including violence during the Enforcement Directorate’s raid on former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence and that in Vattiyurkavu following the arrest of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Councilor Dr. Krishna said the main concern will remain the preservation of public convenience.

“Political parties have every right to carry out their legitimate activities, which are guaranteed by law. At the same time, such activities should not disrupt normal life. We will focus on ensuring public comfort and maintaining peace,” he said.

To prevent incidents of violence, the police would strengthen the intelligence network to prevent violence and take early action based on advance information, he added.

The constable also reiterated the determination of the city police to enforce the anti-drug policy. He said he would not back down on initiatives like Operation Thoofan, the ongoing fight against drug abuse and drug trafficking. Dr. Krishna added that various avenues would be explored to address concerns over the shortage of drug testing kits, including working with NGOs.

Published – 15 Jun 2026 22:03 IST