Introduction
Dr. M. A. Saleem (born 25 June 1966), a distinguished 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Karnataka, currently serves as the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP) of Karnataka. Renowned for his academic background and pioneering traffic reforms, Saleem has emerged as one of the most progressive leaders in modern Indian policing.(Wikipedia, Daijiworld)
Early Life & Education
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Birth & Origins: Born on 25 June 1966 in Karnataka (specifically, Chikkabanavara, northern Bengaluru).(Wikipedia, Deccan Herald)
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Academic Credentials: Completed his M.Com in 1989, followed by a Master’s in Police Management from Osmania University in 1993. In 2010, he earned a PhD in Traffic Management from Bangalore University—an uncommon specialization for police officers, which later defined his approach to urban policing.(Wikipedia)
Career Journey: A Multifaceted Trajectory
Over a commendable 32-year career, Dr. Saleem has served in 26 varied roles, reflecting both breadth and depth in law enforcement and administration.(-, Daijiworld, Wikipedia)
Key Postings & Contributions
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District Leadership: Held Superintendent of Police roles in Udupi and Hassan districts.(-, Wikipedia)
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Range & City Commissioner: Served as IGP, Eastern Range, and as Commissioner of Police, Mysuru.(-, Wikipedia)
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Traffic Reforms in Bengaluru: As Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic), he became widely known as “One-Way Saleem” for converting over 122–140 roads into one-way routes—dramatically improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and cutting accidents.(-, Daijiworld, Wikipedia, The New Indian Express, The Times of India)
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Administrative Reforms: As Additional DGP (Administration), he streamlined promotions, published timely gradation lists, optimized policing budgets, restructured stations with improved staffing, and spearheaded construction of over 10,000 residential quarters for force personnel.(-)
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Human Rights & Welfare: As Additional DGP (Public Grievances & Human Rights), he doubled the Arogya Bhagya health scheme grant and cleared all pending hospital bills for staff, enhancing welfare provisions.(-)
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Anti-Corruption Leadership: Set up the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Karnataka—establishing 30 district ACB stations and filling 90% of key positions, while overseeing investigations under the Prevention of Corruption Act.(-)
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CID Leadership: Took charge as DGP, CID Karnataka (since June 2023). Cut backlog from 930 to 360 cases, created divisions for cybercrime, narcotics, Deposit Fraud Investigation (DFID), and Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU). Spearheaded cyber training of over 6,200 professionals, published forensic papers, and organized a National Seminar on Cybercrime (March 2024).(-)
Appointment as Karnataka State Police Chief
In-Charge to Full-Time DGP & IGP
On 21 May 2025, Dr. Saleem was appointed in-charge DG & IGP of Karnataka following the retirement of Alok Mohan.(The Times of India, Wikipedia, Bangalore Mirror, The Indian Express) Shortly thereafter, the Karnataka High Court disposed of a PIL challenging the appointment, finding state efforts in line with Supreme Court directives pending UPSC empanelment.(The Indian Express, Daijiworld)
By 30 August 2025, his position was formally confirmed as permanent DG & IGP, ending the interim status and bringing stability to police leadership in Karnataka.(Indian Masterminds, The New Indian Express, Daijiworld)
Controversy & Legal Challenge
Dr. Saleem’s appointment did not proceed without resistance. Advocate Sudha Katwa filed a challenge arguing the interim appointment violated Supreme Court norms and lacked transparency.(Bangalore Mirror, The Indian Express) However, the Karnataka High Court dismissed the PIL, as the state assured compliance with empanelment procedures.(The Indian Express, Daijiworld)
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Saleem has been honored with several prestigious awards:
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President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (Republic Day 2009)(-, Wikipedia)
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IRTE Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for his traffic innovations(-, Wikipedia)
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Recognized by the Ministry of Home Affairs for innovative ICT use in policing(Wikipedia)
Summary Table
Aspect | Detail |
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Name & Position | Dr. M. A. Saleem, IPS – DG & IGP, Karnataka Police (since 21 May 2025) |
Batch & Origin | 1993-batch IPS; born 1966 in Bengaluru region |
Education | M.Com, Master’s in Police Management, PhD in Traffic Management |
Key Strengths | Traffic reforms, administrative modernization, cybercrime response, welfare |
Notable Nickname | “One-Way Saleem” – for traffic system reforms in Bengaluru |
Major Roles | SP, IGP, Commissioner of Mysuru, Traffic Chief Bengaluru, Anti-Corruption, CID DGP |
Legal Issue | PIL contested interim appointment; court dismissed challenge |
Awards | President’s Medal, IRTE Road Safety Award, ICT policing recognition |
Top 10 Interesting Facts
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Dr. Saleem holds a PhD in Traffic Management—a rare doctorate for a police officer.
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He earned the nickname “One-Way Saleem” for converting over 120 Bengaluru roads to one-way traffic.
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As CID Chief, he reduced backlog cases from 930 to 360.
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Set up 30 ACB police stations across Karnataka.
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Administered over 10,000 housing quarters for police staff.
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Doubled funding under the Arogya Bhagya health scheme for police families.
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Spearheaded cybercrime training for 6,200 professionals.
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Became Karnataka’s 43rd DG & IGP, one of few Kannada-speaking officers in that role.
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His appointment was the subject of a PIL, which was ultimately dismissed.
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Recipient of the President’s Medal and international road safety award.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Who is Dr. M. A. Saleem?
A1: A senior IPS officer (1993 batch), currently serving as DG & IGP of Karnataka, with a reputation for innovative policing and administrative reforms.(Wikipedia, The Times of India)
Q2: Why is he called “One-Way Saleem”?
A2: For converting more than 120 roads in Bengaluru into one-way routes, easing congestion and improving road safety.(-, The Times of India, The New Indian Express)
Q3: What academic credentials does he have?
A3: He holds an M.Com, a Master’s in Police Management (Osmania University), and a PhD in Traffic Management (Bangalore University).(Wikipedia)
Q4: What was the controversy surrounding his appointment?
A4: A PIL challenged his interim appointment as acting DGP, citing non-compliance with Supreme Court directives. The Karnataka High Court later dismissed the challenge as the state committed to follow UPSC empanelment procedures.(Bangalore Mirror, The Indian Express, Daijiworld)
Q5: When was he confirmed as full-time DG & IGP?
A5: His full-time appointment was formalized on 30 August 2025, making him the permanent DG & IGP of Karnataka.(Indian Masterminds, The New Indian Express)
Q6: What major initiatives has he led?
A6: Traffic reforms (Bengaluru), anti-corruption infrastructure, cybercrime capacity-building, police personnel welfare, and administrative modernization.(-, Wikipedia, The Times of India)
Q7: What recognition has he received?
A7: He received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, IRTE Road Safety Award, and recognition from MHA for ICT use in policing.(Wikipedia)
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