Hubballi-Dharwad's new police chief stepped into his role with clear-eyed determination on Thursday, immediately outlining the twin challenges that will define his tenure. Borase Bhushan Gulabrao, taking charge from outgoing Commissioner N. Shashikumar, didn't mince words about what matters most: cracking down on drug networks and untangling the cities' notorious traffic snarls.

Key facts

  • New Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabrao took charge on September 3, 2026
  • Hubballi-Dharwad is Karnataka's second-largest urban center after Bengaluru
  • Priority areas include drug trafficking, traffic management, women's safety, and cybercrime
  • Plans to form anti-stabbing squad and consult IIT Dharwad for traffic solutions

A Familiar Challenge

Commissioner Bhushan arrives with experience fresh from Belagavi, where he made significant headway against drug operations. He recognizes this isn't just a local problem—it's a national scourge that demands localized solutions. "We will identify the network operating in the region," he told reporters, his tone measured but firm. The promise carries weight given his track record next door.

Traffic Transformation

Anyone who's navigated Hubballi-Dharwad's streets knows the traffic situation needs urgent attention. Bhushan plans to approach this scientifically, reaching out to IIT Dharwad and engineering colleges for technical recommendations. He's bringing lessons from Belagavi too, where strict helmet and drunk-driving enforcement dramatically reduced accidents. But here's what's interesting: he explicitly stated police are "not a revenue-generating department." Fines won't be imposed indiscriminately—instead, officers will work under CCTV surveillance during enforcement, prioritizing smooth traffic flow over penalty collection.

"We are not a revenue-generating department. Collecting fines is not the purpose of our department."

Broader Vision

Beyond drugs and traffic, the commissioner's vision encompasses women's safety, child protection, and combating cybercrime. He'll establish an anti-stabbing squad modeled after Belagavi's successful unit, focusing on preventive checks and weapon seizures. While acknowledging staff shortages exist, he believes current resources are sufficient—for now. His underlying message resonates: police work as a team, within legal frameworks, to ensure peace rather than punish arbitrarily.