After an illustrious 34-year career, the Director General of Police(DGP) of Himachal Pradesh, Sanjay Kundu, has retired. Kundu's tenure as DGP has been marked by innovative ideas that have transformed the Himachal Pradesh Police and influenced the Indian policing landscape. His pioneering concept of a data-driven policing model, inspired by the New York Police Department(NYPD), has significantly impacted India, particularly in his state. In 2023, Himachal Pradesh Police was ranked first in Crime and Criminal Network Tracking& System by the MHA, a testament to the success of his approach.

The Himachal Pradesh Police has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in its policing approach, a top source said. In New Delhi, Kundu's innovative ideas were met with great reception, with some well-placed sources even referring to him as the 'Pandit of Policing '. In 2021, Himachal Pradesh Police was ranked first among Northern states and 9th in the country in the Smart Policing Survey conducted by the Indian Police Foundation. Sanjay Kundu's reformist vision modernised the force and fostered a strong sense of trust among the community. His visionary approach and professional learning helped the force bridge small gaps with a smart and data-driven approach. As the MHA in the Interim Budget 2024 made a significant push for police modernisation, Kundu's idea of tailoring the concept of data-driven policing may become a stepping stone for many metropolitan police forces, further strengthening the bond between the police and the community. 

Apart from implementing mechanical fixes, Sanjay Kundu also stressed increasing the effectiveness of community policing by establishing enhanced communication between the police and the public. The 2020 incident of a scuffle between a Union Minister's protocol officer and an IPS officer was handled well by Kundu. He did not limit himself to the incident but went beyond by writing a letter to the NPA Director, emphasising the need for behavioural and sophistication aspects of policing. A top source said, 'Kundu deserved more, but he made his mark with what he got'. The last leg of his office was quite troublesome, but that didn't deter him from doing his job and eventually emerging stronger from the storm  later on. With his adoring  and quick-witted personality, Himachal Police's North Star has left a legacy behind him, which puts a vital responsibility on his successor to continue it and, most importantly, maintain the force at the top of the ranks, a testament to Kundu's resilience and dedication.