Delhi Police through the ages: From Kotwals to modern, tech-based force

As Delhi Police celebrates its 79th Raising Day, a look at the history of policing in the Capital shows that law enforcement in the city is nearly as old as Delhi itself. Historical sources trace the earliest form of organised policing to the medieval institution of the Kotwal.

According to records, Malikul Umara Faqruddin was appointed as the first Kotwal of Delhi in 1237 and served under three sultans — Balban, Kaikobad and Kaikhusrau. The Kotwal’s headquarters is believed to have been located at Qila Rai Pithora, situated in present-day Mehrauli.

During the Mughal era, when Emperor Shahjahan shifted his capital to Delhi in 1648, Ghaznafar Khan became the first Kotwal of the newly established city while also holding the important position of Chief of Artillery. The institution of the Kotwal, however, came to an abrupt end following the Revolt of 1857. Notably, the last Kotwal of Delhi was Gangadhar Nehru, grandfather of Jawaharlal Nehru.

The British period ushered in a more structured policing system with the enactment of the Indian Police Act of 1861. Delhi, which was initially under the control of the Punjab Police, gradually developed a defined administrative hierarchy by 1912, though the force remained modest in size.

According to the 1912 Gazette, Delhi district was under the control of a Deputy Inspector General of Police headquartered at Ambala, while the local force was commanded by a Superintendent and a Deputy Superintendent of Police. The strength of the force comprised two Inspectors, 27 Sub-Inspectors, 110 Head Constables, 985 Foot Constables and 28 Sawars.

At the time, the city had three major police stations — Kotwali, Subzi Mandi and Paharganj. Spacious police barracks in Civil Lines accommodated the Reserve, Armed Reserve and recruits.

Following Independence, the Government of India constituted the Delhi Police Commission in 1966 under Justice GD Khosla. Based on its recommendations, the force was reorganised and four police districts — North, Central, South and New Delhi — were created.

The Commission also recommended the introduction of the Police Commissionerate system, which was eventually implemented on July 1, 1978. Since then, the force has undergone significant transformation, evolving into today’s modern, technology-driven police organisation.