Bengaluru
Senior IPS officer Alok Kumar (Alok Thakur) on Thursday officially took charge as the new Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services in Bengaluru, marking a key administrative shift in Karnataka’s law enforcement leadership.
After assuming office, Alok Kumar stated that his primary focus would be to enforce strict reforms within the state’s prison system, strengthen internal discipline and eliminate any irregular practices. He emphasised that the prison department must function with professionalism, transparency, and zero tolerance for misconduct.
The new DGP also highlighted the need to modernise surveillance, improve inmate rehabilitation programmes, and enhance coordination between prison staff and other security agencies.
Alok Kumar, known for his decisive policing style and extensive field experience, said he would prioritise: Tightening security across all correctional facilities. Preventing smuggling of contraband through advanced monitoring. Strengthening intelligence gathering inside prisons. Upgrading training standards for staff. Introducing technology-driven prison management systems
He assured that measures would be taken to curb criminal activities originating from inside prisons, stressing that no inmate will be allowed to misuse the prison environment for external operations.
Kumar’s appointment comes at a time when the prison department has been under close scrutiny over issues such as illegal mobile use, drug smuggling, and staff lapses. His strong administrative reputation has raised expectations of swift corrective action.
The newly appointed DGP expressed confidence that with collective effort, Karnataka’s prison system could become a model for the country, balancing security with meaningful rehabilitation for inmates.
