Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa
AT a time when public trust in law enforcement is waning and leadership is often questioned, in Dr M A Saleem, the southern state of Karnataka finds a rare breed of officer, one who blends intellect, compassion, and strategic vision. The newly appointed Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) is not just a top cop; he is a reformer whose leadership redefines policing in the country.
Born on June 25, 1966, in a modest town near Bengaluru, Dr Saleem’s early love for books and investigation set the foundation for a distinguished career. After earning a Master’s in Commerce, Dr Saleem joined the Indian Police Service in 1993. He later earned a Master’s in Police Management from Osmania University in Hyderabad and a doctorate in Traffic Management from Bangalore University, showcasing his commitment to policing as both a science and a service.
Dr Saleem’s field experience is extensive and impressive. From serving as Assistant Superintendent in Kalaburagi to leading the force as Commissioner in Mysuru and Deputy Commissioner (Law & Order) in Bengaluru, he has handled the urban chaos and rural complexity with poise and elan. However, his tenure as Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in Bengaluru brought him extensive public recognition.
Nicknamed “One-Way Saleem,” he reconfigured over 120 city roads into one-way systems — a bold and effective move that dramatically reduced traffic snarls. He pioneered Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), introduced real-time monitoring, and launched the acclaimed ‘Safe Routes to School’ programme, engaging communities in road safety.
Yet, Dr Saleem is not just a systems man — he is a principled public servant. As head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), he cut down pending cases from 830 to 360 and established new divisions to tackle cybercrime and financial fraud. By emphasising data-driven policing and institutional accountability, Dr Saleem has helped restore public trust in the force.
Behind the badge is a deeply thoughtful man. A voracious reader, Dr Saleem spends hours with books on governance, psychology, and ethics. Grounded in values of justice and public service — principles shaped by his upbringing and faith — he has authored a book on urban traffic and regularly writes columns on policing and civic responsibility.
His work has earned him numerous accolades: the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, the National Award for e-Governance, and the IRTE Prince Michael International Road Safety Award. In 2023, the Al-Ameen Lifetime Achievement Award recognised his contributions to civil administration.
While he remains private about his family, Dr Saleem has spoken of how his father’s sense of fairness and his mother’s quiet strength shaped his worldview. He has often acknowledged how the ethical teachings of his faith continue to guide his leadership in moments of challenge and complexity.
For many a young officer, Dr Saleem is much more than a senior — a mentor who leads by example. Citizens, too, see in him a rare breed of public official who listens, adapts, and delivers. His leadership style is rooted not in control but in collaboration, emphasising transparency, civic partnership, and trust.
Ultimately, Dr Saleem’s leadership transcends his role as Karnataka’s top cop, positioning him as a reformer-in-chief. His journey from a small town to the highest echelons of police leadership is an inspiration for aspiring civil servants, policy thinkers, and changemakers. In both word and action, he reminds us that true leadership is not about commanding fear, it is about inspiring trust.
