B. Dayananda, a distinguished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1994 Karnataka cadre, has carved an illustrious career marked by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to public safety. As the current Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru City, appointed in May 2023, Dayananda has earned a reputation as a tech-savvy, fitness-conscious, and forward-thinking officer. His extensive experience spans law enforcement, intelligence, traffic management, and cybercrime prevention, making him a pivotal figure in Karnataka’s policing landscape.
Early Life and Education
B. Dayananda was born in Ranebennur, a town in Haveri district, Karnataka, where he developed a strong sense of discipline and public service from an early age. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, which laid the foundation for his understanding of governance and administrative systems. His academic background, combined with a passion for serving the community, led him to aspire to a career in civil services. In 1994, Dayananda cleared the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, securing his entry into the prestigious Indian Police Service. He was allotted to the Karnataka cadre, where he would go on to serve for over three decades.
Early Career in the Indian Police Service
Dayananda’s policing career began in 1998 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the Puttur subdivision of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. His early years were marked by hands-on experience in maintaining law and order, handling communal tensions, and investigating high-profile cases. From 1999 to 2008, he served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in multiple districts, including Vijayapura, Belagavi, Chitradurga, Dakshina Kannada, and Kolar. These roles honed his skills in district-level policing, where he tackled diverse challenges such as communal riots, organized crime, and public safety concerns.
During his tenure as SP in Dakshina Kannada, Dayananda demonstrated an innovative approach by launching one of India’s first police blogs in 2005. This initiative, aimed at improving communication with the public, earned him the prestigious E-Gov Award for Innovation in 2006 at an international conference in New Delhi. The blog was a pioneering effort in leveraging technology to enhance transparency and public engagement, setting a precedent for modern policing practices in India.
International Exposure and Recognition
In 2003-04, Dayananda gained international experience as a Civilian Police Officer with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). His role in this peacekeeping mission involved maintaining law and order in a conflict-ridden region, earning him the United Nations Medal for World Peacekeeping. This stint broadened his perspective on global policing standards and reinforced his commitment to adopting best practices in India.
Rise Through the Ranks
Dayananda’s career trajectory reflects his versatility and leadership. In 2008, he was promoted to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), a significant milestone that recognized his operational expertise and administrative acumen. By 2011, he was appointed Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) in Bengaluru, where he tackled urban crime challenges in one of India’s fastest-growing cities. In 2013, he took on the role of Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in Bengaluru, where he introduced innovative traffic management strategies and promoted the use of social media to provide real-time traffic updates.
In 2015, Dayananda served as the Commissioner of Police for Mysuru City, where he prioritized visible policing and community engagement. His tenure was marked by efforts to integrate technology into policing, including training police personnel to use social media effectively. He emphasized proactive measures to maintain law and order, particularly during high-profile events like festivals and public gatherings.
By 2016, Dayananda was appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) for State Intelligence, a role he held during the tenures of multiple Karnataka Chief Ministers, including Siddaramaiah, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and B.S. Yediyurappa. His long stint as an intelligence chief—making him the second-longest-serving in this role in Karnataka—highlighted his ability to navigate complex political and security landscapes. In August 2020, he was promoted to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for State Intelligence, a position he held until his appointment as Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner in May 2023.
Appointment as Bengaluru City Police Commissioner
In May 2023, following the Congress party’s rise to power in Karnataka, Dayananda was appointed Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru City, replacing C.H. Pratap Reddy. This appointment, facilitated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, underscored Dayananda’s reputation as a trusted and capable officer. Upon taking charge on May 31, 2023, he outlined his priorities, which included combating cybercrime, improving traffic management, and enhancing public trust in the police force.
Dayananda’s approach to policing in Bengaluru has been characterized by a focus on “predictive policing” to prevent and deter criminal activities. He has emphasized the need for coordinated efforts with civic agencies to manage Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion. Recognizing the rising tide of cybercrime, he has advocated for training police personnel across all stations to handle such cases, reducing the burden on specialized Cybercrime, Economic Offences, and Narcotics (CEN) stations. Plans to establish additional cybercrime police stations and enhance social media monitoring are also part of his vision. However, following the tragic stampede during RCB IPL championship celebration, he was removed from the post of Bengaluru City Police Commissioner.
Contributions to Policing and Technology
Dayananda’s career is distinguished by his innovative use of technology. His initiation of a police blog in 2005 was a groundbreaking step toward digital policing in India. As Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in Bengaluru, he spearheaded the use of social media platforms to disseminate real-time updates, improving public access to information. During his tenure with the State Forensic Science Laboratory, he played a key role in reorganizing the facility and establishing a dedicated cyber forensic lab to address the growing threat of cybercrime.
His tech-savvy approach has been complemented by a commitment to community policing. By fostering open communication channels and leveraging digital tools, Dayananda has worked to bridge the gap between the police and the public, enhancing trust and collaboration.
Awards and Honors
Dayananda’s exemplary service has been recognized with numerous accolades:
- Commendation Roll (1997): Awarded by the Director General of Police, Border Security Force, for his role in anti-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir during training.
- Chief Minister’s Gold Medal (1998-99): For outstanding performance as a sub-divisional police officer.
- United Nations Medal for World Peacekeeping (2003-04): For his service in Kosovo.
- E-Gov Award for Innovation (2006): For creating one of India’s first police blogs.
- President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2011): For his contributions to policing.
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2022): For his exceptional leadership and service.
These awards reflect Dayananda’s dedication to excellence and his ability to innovate within the constraints of a demanding profession.
Personal Life and Fitness Journey
Beyond his professional achievements, Dayananda is known for his passion for fitness and cycling. A self-professed fitness enthusiast, he has undertaken a remarkable personal transformation, losing over 20 kilograms between 2011 and 2015 through disciplined diet and exercise. His fitness journey began after experiencing fatigue during a training program in Mussoorie in 2011, prompting him to adopt a low-carb, high-protein diet and a rigorous fitness regimen. He became an avid cyclist, often participating in long rides, including a 70-kilometer ride across Sarjapur and Varthur. Dayananda has also completed a half-marathon and aspires to run a full marathon.
His commitment to fitness extends to his professional life, where he has been known to conduct bike patrols in civilian clothes to monitor his team’s performance. This hands-on approach reflects his leadership style—accessible, proactive, and engaged.
Dayananda is a family man, and his two sons often join him in marathons and cycling events, inspired by their father’s dedication to fitness. Despite the demands of his career, he balances his professional and personal life with discipline and determination.
Legacy and Impact
B. Dayananda’s career is a testament to his ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in a rapidly evolving policing landscape. His focus on technology, community engagement, and predictive policing has set new benchmarks for law enforcement in Karnataka. As Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner, he continues to address the city’s unique challenges, from traffic congestion to cybercrime, with a strategic and inclusive approach.
His international experience, coupled with his deep understanding of Karnataka’s socio-political dynamics, has made him a versatile and effective leader. Dayananda’s legacy is one of modernization, transparency, and public service, inspiring a new generation of police officers to embrace technology and community collaboration.
FAQs About B. Dayananda, IPS
- Who is B. Dayananda?
B. Dayananda is a senior IPS officer of the 1994 Karnataka cadre, currently serving as the Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru City since May 2023. He is known for his tech-savvy approach, fitness enthusiasm, and extensive experience in intelligence, traffic management, and cybercrime prevention. - What are B. Dayananda’s major achievements?
Dayananda has received numerous awards, including the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2022), the United Nations Medal for World Peacekeeping (2003-04), and the E-Gov Award for Innovation (2006) for launching one of India’s first police blogs. - What roles has B. Dayananda held in his career?
He has served as Superintendent of Police in multiple districts, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) in Bengaluru, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Commissioner of Mysuru City, and Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) before becoming Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner. - What are B. Dayananda’s priorities as Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner?
His priorities include combating cybercrime, improving traffic management through coordination with civic agencies, and enhancing public trust through predictive policing and community engagement. - How has B. Dayananda contributed to technology in policing?
Dayananda pioneered the use of a police blog in 2005, promoted social media for real-time updates, and played a key role in establishing a cyber forensic lab in Karnataka to address cybercrime. - What is B. Dayananda’s background?
He hails from Ranebennur, Haveri district, Karnataka, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. He joined the IPS in 1994 and has served in various capacities across Karnataka. - Is B. Dayananda involved in fitness activities?
Yes, Dayananda is a fitness enthusiast who lost over 20 kilograms through disciplined diet and exercise. He is an avid cyclist, has completed a half-marathon, and encourages his sons to join him in fitness activities.
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