Sat Mar 15 16:07:59 UTC 2025: ## Beed Police Drop Surnames From Nameplates to Curb Caste Tensions
**Beed, Maharashtra – March 15, 2025** – In a novel attempt to quell rising caste tensions following the murder of a village headman, the Beed Superintendent of Police (SP) has ordered all police personnel to remove surnames from their nameplates and address each other by first names only.
The initiative, spearheaded by SP Navneet Kanwat, follows the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a Maratha sarpanch, by members of the Vanjari community. The incident sparked significant social unrest in the district, prompting even the resignation of NCP-Ajit Pawar MLA Dhananjay Munde from his State Cabinet post.
Police officials explained that the move aims to reduce perceived caste bias within the force and foster greater trust among the public. Previously, citizens often identified police officers’ castes through their surnames, potentially influencing interactions and leading to accusations of caste-based targeting.
“We don’t have a caste or a religion,” stated SP Kanwat, emphasizing the aim to project an image of impartiality and fairness. The change, he added, also boosts constables’ self-confidence and allows them to serve the community more effectively.
While Chief Minister and State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly approves of the initiative, some Beed residents expressed skepticism, arguing that the measure is merely cosmetic. They highlighted deeper-seated issues of political polarization and community distrust, suggesting that more substantial changes are needed to address the root causes of the tension. Namdeo Nagargoje, a Beed resident, stated that the perception of police bias towards the powerful remains a significant concern, urging a more comprehensive approach to resolve the underlying social divisions.
First Piper 