Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 16: The Andaman and Nicobar Police proudly celebrated 73rd Raising Day, marking over seven decades of dedicated service, commitment, and excellence. The ceremonial event was held at Police Lines Parade Ground with great enthusiasm, graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief of the ANC; Rear Admiral Biplab Hota, Chief of Staff, ANC and senior officers from the A&N Administration and ANC, and other dignitaries.
The celebrations commenced with an impressive Ceremonial Parade, featuring contingents from the Executive Police (Gents and Ladies), IRBn, Fire Service, Dog Squad, and the A&N Police Brass Band and Ladies Pipe Band. The parade was led by Shri Naveen Kumar, Deputy Commandant/IRBn, as Parade Commander, with Shri Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS, Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, taking the salute. The parade was followed by an engaging series of demonstrations, including an impressive rifle display by Recruit Constables, a dynamic commando performance by IRBn, a fire safety demonstration by the Fire & Emergency Service, and a tableau by the Police Marine Force. Police Station Shaheed Dweep, Police Station Rangat, and Police Station Car Nicobar were awarded as the Best, Second Best, and Third Best Police Stations of the A&N Islands. DGP Commendation Discs were presented to 39 personnel excelling in their duties.
In his address, the Director General of Police extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the islands and the members of the A&N Police. He lauded the department’s unwavering efforts in maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of residents and tourists, and upholding communal harmony and justice. The DGP emphasized the need for professionalism, transparency, and sensitivity in the force’s functioning and congratulated the parade participants for their excellent performance.
The Raising Day celebrations also served as a platform to highlight the department’s significant achievements over the past year. Among these were landmark successes in narcotics control, including the registration of 73 cases under the NDPS Act, 127 arrests, and seizure of 61 kg of Ganja and 21 kg of Heroin. In collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard, the department achieved a historic milestone by seizing more than 6,000 kgs of methamphetamine valued at ₹36,000 crores—the largest-ever narcotics seizure in the country.
Efforts to enhance road safety were also highlighted, with over 45,000 traffic challans issued, generating ₹2.64 crores in fines. The inauguration of a Children’s Traffic Park in Diglipur was a step toward fostering road safety awareness among the younger generation.
The department showcased its commitment to modernization and innovation, launching India’s first mobile forensic boat, which earned accolades from the World Book of Records. Additionally, a mobile forensic unit was introduced, and the canine squad was enhanced with four Belgian Malinois dogs to bolster security operations. Several police stations and units achieved ISO certifications, reflecting their excellence in service.
Technological advancements included the introduction of “ANP Seva Cart,” an e-commerce platform for police canteen operations, and the deployment of the AI-based chatbot “Naye Kanoon Mitra” to simplify the implementation of new criminal laws. Training initiatives, in collaboration with NLSIU Bengaluru and NFSU Gandhinagar, further strengthened investigation skills within the force.
The A&N Police also celebrated achievements in sports, with personnel excelling at international and national events, bringing pride to the department. The Raising Day also commemorated the force’s rich history, dating back to 1875, and the establishment of the Civil Police Force in 1924. Since January 16, 1953, when Shri Naushirwan Feroz Sauntook became the first IPS officer to lead the force, this day has been celebrated as Raising Day.
The week-long celebrations include various events, awareness programs, a cultural night, and the traditional "Badakhana." These activities aim to strengthen camaraderie and reflect the department’s commitment to the community.
The A&N Police expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Administration, Security and Intelligence agencies for their unwavering support. With a steadfast commitment to ensuring peace, safety, and harmony in the islands, the department looks forward to serving the nation with dedication and professionalism.