R Nishanthini has taken charge as Kochi city police commissioner, becoming the first woman to hold the post and placing traffic management among her immediate priorities for the city.
The 2008-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre took over on Thursday after being transferred from her position as Inspector General, South Zone. She replaced Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, whose tenure ended after the controversy surrounding the Cheranelloor accident case.
Nishanthini has previously served as Kochi’s Deputy Commissioner of Police and said she was familiar with the city. She said her immediate objective would be to continue the good work already being carried out by the city police while addressing issues that require further attention.
Traffic was one of the key concerns she identified after assuming office. Nishanthini said she would work to address Kochi’s traffic problems with public support. The statement places traffic coordination and everyday road management at the centre of the new commissioner’s initial agenda, although no specific measures or implementation timeline were announced.
Nishanthini also addressed the significance of becoming the first woman to serve as Kochi city police commissioner. She said there was no difference between male and female police officers in their work and that her experience had been similar to that of her male counterparts.
At the same time, she acknowledged that her appointment could influence how residents, particularly women and children, view the police. “However, from the perspective of the people, especially women and children, there would be more trust and confidence. At the same time, there would be expectations as well. I would try my best with the help of my team to satisfy that expectation,” she said.
Her appointment comes as the city police face questions on both public safety and institutional accountability. When asked about the arrest of a sub-inspector for allegedly stealing drugs while the police are working to combat drug-related offences, Nishanthini said she would study the matter before responding.
She declined to comment on questions related to the Cheranelloor issue and disciplinary action against police personnel. Her remarks indicate that those matters will be addressed after she examines the relevant details.
For Kochi residents, the new commissioner’s stated focus on traffic is directly linked to one of the city’s most visible daily governance challenges. The commissioner did not announce a specific traffic plan, but said the police would work with the public to address the issue. Her next steps are expected to follow an assessment of the city’s existing policing priorities and pending matters.
