Mangaluru: T R Suresh from 2003 IPS batch took charge as the new police commissioner of Mangaluru city here on June 12.

Outgoing commissioner Chandra Sekhar M handed over the charge after the farewell ceremony. Chandra Sekhar M has been posted as IGP of CID and Economic Offences Department, Bengaluru.

Taking charge, new commissioner promised of people friendly service in Mangaluru city. He also said that the programmes introduced by the outgoing commissioner like weekly phone-in programme would be continued during his tenure.

From the 2003 batch, Suresh hailing from Shivamogga has previously served as SP in Kodagu, Bagalkot, Raichur and Tumakuru, DCP (law and order) in Mysuru, Lokayukta department Tumakuru, DCP Bengaluru (Northeast), DIG of Fire Services, Bengaluru, DCP (North) in Bengaluru and in Vijaypura, Bagalkote, Uttar Kannada, Hubballi and Dharwad as well.

During the farewell ceremony, outgoing commissioner Chandra Sekhar thanked the department, media and the people of Mangaluru for their co-operation. He said that his term in Mangaluru was the happiest in his career. “People of Mangaluru are smart and do not defy law. Few anti-social elements have been trying to disturb peace but I tried to control them during my tenure.”

He also said that the weekly phone-in programme introduced by him had brought in a lot of changes in the department and people also were happy to share their grievances directly with the police. He also thanked media for supporting the department in bringing out good work done by the police officers.