Nagpur, June 29 (AHN) Senior IPS officer Vishwas Nangare Patil on Monday took charge as the new Police Commissioner of Nagpur, following his direct transfer from the post of Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

Upon assuming his new role, Nangare Patil declared that the safety and protection of women and children would be his topmost priority.

He also addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video of him at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event in Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, firmly rejecting criticisms and stating that his attendance did not violate any civil service rules.

Speaking on his participation in the RSS event and the subsequent backlash, Nangare Patil stated that he has immense respect for everyone. As a police officer, his absolute commitment lies with the Indian Constitution and its core values.

He noted that Nagpur is home to Deekshabhoomi, and the thoughts and ideals of B R Ambedkar are his guiding light. He added that it is natural for an officer to attend events organised by various social groups and organisations to interact with citizens.

Clarifying the context of the speech under scrutiny, he explained that the event took place on April 19. Volunteers from Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, including several prominent citizens, had come to invite him. The event featured guidance on GST and spiritual insights from experts.

Defending his track record, Nangare Patil emphasised that attending community events is a regular part of public policing.

He said he has been in the police service for 30 years and attends Ramzan Eid celebrations, as well as Jain and Sikh community events; his attendance at this event was in the same spirit. Just as police officers attend Iftar parties, he attended this programme as well.

During his speech, he recited collective prayers for human welfare, quoted from the Dnyaneshwari, spoke about the menace of drug abuse among today's youth, and highlighted career opportunities within the police force.

He further noted that the event was organised to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and the centenary (100 years) of the RSS. Therefore, he asserted that he had not violated any service conditions or rules.

Nangare Patil's clarification comes days after the Congress and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) launched sharp attacks against him, questioning the political neutrality of the civil services.

Expressing gratitude for his new appointment, Nangare Patil stated that he looks forward to serving in Nagpur.

He said he had officially taken charge as the Police Commissioner of Nagpur and that this was his first time working in the 'Orange City' and 'Tiger Capital.' He added that the Chief Minister had shown great faith in him and that he viewed this as a massive responsibility.

Maintaining law and order, core policing, and ensuring the safety of women and children would remain his central focus.

He concluded with a strong message on public-centric policing, saying that they wear the 'IPS' insignia on their shoulders, where the 'S' stands for Service, service to the people. He added that only criminals should fear the police; the common citizen should never feel intimidated by them.