Mysuru: Over 30 retired Police personnel were honoured this morning as part of Police Flag Day, observed annually on Apr. 2 to raise funds for the welfare of retired Police officials.

The event was jointly organised by the Mysuru City Police, Mounted Police, Karnataka Police Academy, Southern Range, District Police, Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) 5th Battalion, Police Training School, State Intelligence, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), Lokayukta, CHESCOM, and the Internal Security Division (ISD), Mysuru.

Held at the City Armed Reserve (CAR) Parade Grounds on Maharana Pratap Simha Road, at the foot of Chamundi Hill, the event commenced at 8 am. Retired Superintendent of Police (SP) Puttamadaiah was the chief guest, with City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar and other senior officers in attendance.

Legacy of Police Flag Day

The observance of Police Flag Day dates back to 1965, following modifications in legal Acts when Mysuru was considered a large State. A Committee was formed to standardise laws and based on its recommendations, uniform Acts were introduced on April 2, 1965. In this context, Police Flag Day has since been commemorated.

Puttamadaiah urged officers to make good use of funds raised through the sale of Police Flags, ensuring retired personnel receive adequate support.

He emphasised the growing need for young officers to develop skills in tackling cybercrimes, which are on the rise. He also highlighted the unique nature of Police service, where officers have no fixed working hours, often leading to health concerns and stressed the importance of prioritising well-being.

Furthermore, he called for upholding ethical conduct in public life, urging young officers to manage political unrest and cybercrimes with diligence. He recommended maintaining a list of retired officers at the station level and recognising their contributions.

Southern Range DIGP Dr. M.B. Boralingaiah affixed a Police Flag Day sticker on the guests’ coats, who also made donations in support of retired personnel. More than 30 retired officers, from junior Constables to senior ranks, were felicitated.

Assistant Commander M. Raju led a team inspection, which was conducted using an open vehicle. The event featured a march by ten teams from various units including the City and District Armed Reserve forces, City Civil Police, Traffic Division and Mounted Police.

Among the dignitaries present were Superintendent of Police N. Vishnuvardhana, DCPs M. Muthuraju and S. Jahnavi, Additional SP Nagesh, Commandant Shailendra, KPA Director Channabasavanna and CHESCOM ASP Savitha Hugar, along with other police officials and personnel.