Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissionerate Hosts Historic Farewell for Transferred Officers
In an unprecedented and heartfelt gesture, the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissionerate organized a grand farewell ceremony for three of its officers who were transferred on Wednesday evening. The event, held at the BVB campus of KLE Technological University, marked the first time the commissionerate has conducted such a formal send-off for transferred personnel, drawing more than 100 police staff from across all stations in a display of unity and respect.
Officers Honored for Their Service
The officers honored included DCP (Law & Order) Mahaning Nandaganvi, who has been transferred to the Lokayukta, along with ACP North Shivaprakash Nayak and Gokul police station Inspector Praveen Neelammanavar. While Nayak and Neelammanavar are moving to the police training academy and an unspecified posting respectively, the department ensured all three received a meaningful tribute for their dedicated service in Hubballi-Dharwad.
Police Commissioner Shashi Kumar highlighted their contributions, noting that each officer had served for nearly two to three years, playing crucial roles in maintaining law and order. "DCP Nandaganvi was instrumental in controlling rowdy sheeters and anti-social elements through measures like externment of rowdies, drug menace control, and curbing unlawful activities," Kumar told TOI.
A Unique Chariot-Pulling Ceremony
The farewell featured a traditional ‘Chariot pulling ceremony’ or ‘Farewell drag ceremony’, typically reserved for retirement events. A police jeep was lavishly decorated with flowers and garlands, carrying the three officers and their family members. Uniformed police staff, ranging from ASIs to ACPs and including station chiefs, enthusiastically pulled the jeep like a chariot using a rope, from the entrance gate across the entire campus amidst cheers and slogans.
Commissioner Kumar explained, "We usually organize this kind of ceremony to respect our dedicated officers when they get transferred or retire from the service." The event aimed to convey a message of bonding and gratitude, with participation extending beyond police personnel to include elected representatives, local organization members, and city residents.
Emotional Responses and Lasting Impact
DCP Nandaganvi and ACP Nayak expressed being overwhelmed by the warm farewell, describing it as a proud moment in their lives. "I am always grateful to the representatives and citizens who supported me in discharging my duties efficiently and establishing peace and tranquillity in the city during my service," said DCP Nandaganvi.
A senior officer noted that such ceremonies serve as inspiration for others, encouraging honesty and efficiency in service to gain recognition from both the department and society. This historic event not only honored the departing officers but also reinforced the values of camaraderie and respect within the police force, setting a new precedent for acknowledging transfers in a meaningful way.
