Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged newly trained Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to approach their authority as a responsibility and prepare for emerging internal security challenges, emphasising that professional performance, humility and commitment to the Constitution should define their conduct.

Shah’s message was conveyed by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan at the passing-out parade of the 78th batch of regular recruits at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The Home Minister called on the officers to avoid seeking publicity and instead earn recognition through their work. He also reiterated the need for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, stronger border security through technology and surveillance, and effective implementation of the new criminal laws at the grassroots level. He stressed that modern investigative techniques and forensic science should be used to strengthen criminal investigations.

Addressing the gathering, Govind Mohan highlighted several challenges that the officers are likely to encounter during their careers. These include drug trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, terrorism, illegal immigration and the growing misuse of digital technologies to evade law enforcement.

He called for coordinated efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and advance the goal of a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’. He also emphasised the need for effective action against cyber offences involving mule bank accounts and fake SIM cards.

The Home Secretary further drew attention to criminals who exploit the darknet, cryptocurrency transactions and virtual private networks (VPNs) to conceal their identities and carry out illegal activities. He underlined the importance of adopting advanced technological tools to identify and apprehend such offenders.

Another concern highlighted during the address was the spread of misinformation and deepfake videos on social media, which can trigger tensions and threaten public order. Mohan stressed the need for proactive measures to counter such content and encouraged greater use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies in policing.

The parade marked the completion of the first phase of basic training for 151 officer trainees, including 135 IPS probationers and 16 foreign officer trainees from Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. The batch comprises 37 women officers.

During their training, the probationers received instruction in policing, criminal investigation, forensic science, internal security, public order, criminology, police management and human rights, alongside exposure to emerging areas of law enforcement.

Their practical training included attachments with specialised organisations such as Telangana’s Greyhounds, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Border Security Force. They also participated in field exercises involving crowd management, election duties and security arrangements for major public events.

Govind Mohan reviewed the parade and presented awards to trainees who demonstrated outstanding performance.