Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 16: A mesmerising and dignified celebration marked the 74th Raising Day of the Andaman and Nicobar Police, commemorating over seven decades of dedicated service, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety. The celebrations were held with great enthusiasm at the Police Lines Parade Ground, followed by an “At-Home” function at the Police Lines, and were graced by senior officers, distinguished dignitaries, and members of the police fraternity.
The Raising Day celebrations commenced with an impressive Ceremonial Parade, showcasing disciplined contingents from the Executive Police (Men & Women), IRBn, Fire Service, A&N Police Brass Band, and the Ladies Pipe Band. The parade was led by Shri Naveen Kumar, Deputy Commandant/IRBn, as Parade Commander, while the Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS, took the salute.
On the occasion, Police Station Humfrygunj was adjudged the Best Police Station of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and DGP Commendation Discs were awarded to 42 personnel in recognition of their exemplary dedication and outstanding service.
Addressing the gathering, the DGP, ANI extended warm greetings to the people of the islands and all members of the A&N Police. He lauded the force for its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of residents and tourists, and upholding communal harmony and justice. Emphasizing professionalism, transparency, and sensitivity as the cornerstones of effective policing, he congratulated the parade participants for their precision and discipline.
The Raising Day also served as an occasion to highlight the remarkable achievements of the department during 2025, which earned national recognition. Police Station Pahargaon was declared the Second Best Police Station in the country at the DGsP/IGsP Conference held in Raipur, where the award was conferred by the Hon’ble Union Home Minister and the Hon’ble National Security Advisor. Further, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands secured first position among all Union Territories on the CCTNS/ICJS PRAGATI Dashboard in July 2025, as per the NCRB, New Delhi.
Reaffirming its Zero Tolerance Policy against drugs, the A&N Police took stringent enforcement action. During 2025, 67 NDPS cases were registered and 102 persons arrested, with seizures including 74 kg ganja, 49 kg methamphetamine, 2 kg cocaine, and 525 alprazolam tablets. A historic milestone was achieved with the launch of the largest-ever drug destruction drive, involving over 6,000 kg of methamphetamine valued at approximately ₹30,000 crore internationally. As of 09 January 2026, 4,377.460 kg had already been safely incinerated.
In the area of cybercrime control, the department blocked 1,146 mobile handsets, traced 747, and recovered 425, achieving a recovery rate of 56.89%, among the highest in the country. During the year, 42 cybercrime cases were registered, 11 arrests made, and ₹32.47 lakh recovered.
Traffic enforcement and road safety remained a priority, with over 33,000 traffic challans issued, including 2,326 cases of drunken driving, resulting in fines amounting to ₹1.96 crore. To complement enforcement with education, the Children’s Traffic Park was upgraded into the Centre for Traffic Education and Simulation (CTES), benefitting over 6,000 children and 100+ students by December 2025.
The A&N Police also played a vital role in maritime and coastal security, arresting more than 87 illegal foreign poachers and seizing 3,127 kg of protected marine species, including sea cucumbers. To enhance marine preparedness, a three-year Comprehensive AMC was finalized for four Fast Interceptor Boats, and solar power systems were installed at five remote Look Out Posts, improving surveillance and sustainability.
The Fire and Emergency Services rendered exemplary service by attending 268 fire calls and 833 special service calls, saving property worth approximately ₹112 crore. In a historic development, the Fire & Emergency Services Training Centre was recognized by the Ministry of Home Affairs as a State Training Centre under NFSC, Nagpur, enabling national-level training programmes in the islands.
Modernization initiatives included the inauguration of a state-of-the-art six-lane Firearms Training Simulator and 10 Commando Obstacles at the Police Training School, Prothrapur. To enhance operational mobility, 36 scooters for women police personnel were procured, supply orders issued for six LMVs, and approvals are underway for 23 PCR vehicles and 18 motorcycles.
Human resource development remained a key focus. The 74th batch of 248 police constables successfully completed their training, and 542 Home Guard posts were filled after a gap of nearly five years through a transparent recruitment process. Additionally, 42 personnel were promoted, and 308 personnel received MACP and pay fixation benefits.
Community policing initiatives such as Jan Sunwai, Bal Samvad, Vayovandan, and Sagar Darshan strengthened public trust, while large-scale awareness programmes on cybercrime, drug abuse, road safety, and digital literacy benefitted thousands. A major outreach initiative, the Nyaya Sanhita Exhibition held in January 2026, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister, enhanced public awareness of the new criminal laws.
The force also brought laurels to the Union Territory through outstanding performances in sports at the 38th National Games, All India Fire Service Sports Meet, and the A&N Police Soccer League. During 2025, 55 officers and personnel were honoured with prestigious awards, including the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and Medals for Meritorious Service.
As part of the celebrations, an “At Home” function was organized at the Police Lines in a warm and cordial atmosphere, fostering camaraderie and strengthening inter-agency cooperation. The function was graced by Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, along with other distinguished dignitaries.
The DGP, ANI welcomed the guests and expressed sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, the A&N Administration, and all Security and Intelligence Agencies for their continued guidance, cooperation, and unwavering support.
The Raising Day celebrations also commemorated the rich legacy of the force, tracing its roots to 1875, with key milestones in 1924 and 1953, when Shri Naushirwan Feroz Sauntook became the first IPS officer to lead the force. The celebrations will continue through a week-long programme featuring awareness drives, cultural events, and the traditional Badakhana, reinforcing camaraderie and esprit de corps.
With renewed resolve, the Andaman and Nicobar Police reaffirm their steadfast commitment to safeguarding peace, security, and harmony in the islands, while serving the nation with dedication, integrity, and professionalism.
