Mangaluru: S. Murugan took over as the Mangaluru Police Commissioner from R. Hitendra here on Friday. Murugan, a 1997 batch IPS officer, was holding the post of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Karnataka State Industrial Security Force and Special Cell.

He was also holding additional charge of Commander of Anti Naxal Force. Mr. Murugan earlier served as Superintendent of Police in Mysuru and Shivamogga. He has also been given the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service.

Speaking to the media, the new police commissioner sought public sought to ensure law and order in the city. He refused to accept Mangaluru as communally sensitive place. The public should contribute to maintain peace in the city, he said. 

“I’m not new to the place. I know the people and the past”, he said and added that his challenge was to ensure law and order in the city. 

On communal issues, the top cop said that the public always blames police department and failure of intelligence report for the communal clash and forget those who provoked it. 

He said his experience would help him to serve better.