Mohali: Senior IPS officer Varun Sharma Thursday took charge as senior superintendent of police (SSP), Mohali, promising a zero-tolerance approach towards gangsters, extortion rackets and organised crime while prioritising citizen-centric policing.A 2014-batch IPS officer of the Punjab cadre, Sharma returns to Mohali where he earlier served as SP (headquarters). Before this posting, he was serving as SSP, Patiala.Addressing his first press conference after assuming office, Sharma said Mohali police would adopt a tough stance against organised crime and criminal networks. “There will be no compromise in dealing with gangsters, extortion and other criminal elements,” he said.To curb street crime and strengthen surveillance, the district police will intensify night domination operations and increase static and mobile nakabandis at vulnerable locations.Sharma said public access to policing would be a key focus, adding that he would personally hear grievances during designated office hours. He urged residents to share information related to drug trafficking, cybercrime, domestic violence and other criminal activities, assuring prompt action on genuine complaints.Highlighting the importance of community policing, the SSP said interactions with market associations, trader bodies and resident welfare associations would be strengthened to identify security concerns at the grassroots level and improve response mechanisms.Given Mohali’s position in the Tricity region, traffic management will remain a priority, particularly during protests and demonstrations. Sharma said the police would focus on minimising disruption to commuters while ensuring smooth movement of ambulances, school vehicles and other essential services.He also announced a manpower audit of the district police. Personnel deployed on non-core duties will be reviewed and, wherever possible, diverted to frontline policing to strengthen police stations and improve response to crime and public grievances.Sharma was welcomed by senior officers and given a ceremonial guard of honour before formally taking charge.
