Opinion: Indian Police - From Colonial Origins To Age Of AI

As India approaches its 76th Independence Day, exploring the historic trajectory of its police force becomes crucial. From its origins during the Sepoy Mutiny as a tool of colonial dominance, the police have undergone a remarkable metamorphosis over the span of several decades.

Evolution of Indian Police

The origin of the Indian police can be traced back to the aftermath of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny under the colonial rule. Designed to serve the interests of the British administration, the police force emerged with the enactment of the Indian Police Act of 1861. This centralization of power often distanced law enforcement from the public, breeding mistrust. Throughout the colonial era, the police were a tool of suppressing dissent and asserting control.