Bihar’s Tough Cop Faces Heat Even as He Leads Crackdowns on Lawlessness
Senior IPS officer Kundan Krishnan (1994 batch, Bihar cadre), currently serving as Additional Director General (ADG), Police Headquarters, has stirred controversy with remarks linking a rise in murders during May–June to decreased agricultural activity. The comments, while framed within crime prevention efforts, have drawn criticism for being reductive and potentially stigmatizing.
What Did ADG Krishnan Say?
Addressing recent crime trends, Krishnan stated that “more murders happen in May–June because farmers do not have work at that time, which leads to increased crime.” He also announced plans to compile shooter data from across districts to intensify enforcement, directing Superintendents of Police (SPs) statewide to act accordingly.
While his objective appears rooted in controlling rural crime, critics have called the remark an oversimplification of socio-economic dynamics, arguing it risks misrepresenting farmer communities.
A Career Defined by Fearless Policing
Hailing from Nalanda district, Krishnan is known for his uncompromising approach to law enforcement. His reputation as a no-nonsense officer has made his name a deterrent in Bihar’s criminal circles.
Academic Credentials:
Master’s in History
Cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joined IPS on 4 September 1994
Career Milestones
SP Postings: Served in Patna, Chapra (Saran), among others
2006: Arrested controversial MP Anand Mohan while posted as Patna City SP, resisting significant political pressure
2002: Confronted and quelled the violent Chapra jail riot where over 1,200 prisoners had overpowered police. He led the counter operation armed with an AK-47, which resulted in fatalities among rioters and restored control
2025: Led the swift investigation into the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in Patna, nabbing the main accused within 72 hours
Current Crime Situation and Public Sentiment
Despite his reputation, Bihar continues to face rising violent crime. Incidents like the killing of a prisoner inside Patna’s Paras Hospital have shocked the public and reignited concerns about administrative control.
Krishnan’s comments on farmer inactivity fueling crime have sparked heated debate across media and policy circles. While some view them as data-driven, others find the correlation flawed and socially insensitive.
