Prashant Kumar bids farewell to UP Police, pens emotional letter | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Prashant Kumar, who retired as Uttar Pradesh’s director general of police (DGP) on Saturday, issued an emotional farewell letter to the state police force, calling his journey “a privilege of service, sacrifice and purpose.“In a widely circulated letter addressed to officers across the ranks, Kumar reflected on his decades-long tenure in the police service, expressing pride in the institution and gratitude towards his fellow officers. “This isn’t just a farewell; it’s a moment to pause, to reflect, and to thank each one of you for walking alongside me in this extraordinary journey of service,” read Kumar’s letter, which went viral on internal networks and social media.Known for his tough stance on crimes and initiatives on police modernisation, Kumar’s tenure saw a crackdown on organised crime led by gangsters such as Vijay Mishra, Baddo, Sundar Bhati, Sunil Rathi, Dhruv Singh, and Anupam Dubey.Under his leadership, the force expanded digital surveillance, strengthened cybercrime units, and upgraded UP 112 into one of the country’s most responsive emergency systems.He was instrumental in reinforcing the Anti-Romeo Squads, pushing forward the Mission Shakti women’s safety campaign, and institutionalising smart prosecution practices to improve conviction rates. Under him, UP Police used tools such as asset seizures to cripple criminal empires.“From the very first day in uniform to this moment of parting, I lived each day with a single purpose—to serve the people, uphold justice, and stand by my force,” Kumar said.He paid tribute to the force’s foot soldiers—constables braving harsh weather, investigators working sleepless nights, and support teams driving innovation—calling them the “true soul” of the police.“We modernised policing, tackled cybercrime, responded to crises, and most importantly, restored the faith of the citizens in Khaki. And that, to me, is the greatest medal I carry into retirement,” he added.“I may no longer wear the stars on my shoulders, but I will always carry the spirit of the force in my heart,” he said, while concluding, “The uniform is temporary. The duty is forever.”
