Politicos call the shots in key police postings

Mamool system brought down; connections are everything

Politicians are deciding the transfers of police officers in the city as it is evident from postings to 40-odd posts of inspectors which fell vacant on the promotion of the incumbents to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

Some 119 inspectors were promoted to the post of DSP in the state recently, and about 40 of these are from the city. Also, 101 DSPs were promoted to the rank of Additional SP and another 31 Additional SPs were promoted to the rank of superintendent of police (non cadre).

According to sources, most of the important postings in the city, including that of additional DCP in south, east and west zones, were filled on the recommendations of politicians.

The postings of ACPs were linked to political party, while posts in the Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerates’ specialised units were filled on the recommendations of leaders of a political party.

“MLAs, MPs and ,inisters want persons of their own choice to be posted in their areas. Several recommendations were received for the important postings, including to the task force, special operations team and important zones/ divisions in the city,” said a senior police officer.

With the postings of SPs, additional SPs and DSPs finalised and assigned, the next in line are inspectors who are awaiting promotion. A total of 119 posts of inspector are vacant in the state, including 40 in the city.

“An important posting these days does not mean much money as the mamool system to a great extent has been brought down. Now it means political connections and access to higher officials and bureaucrats,” said another police officer.