LUCKNOW: Mukul Goel took charge as the new director general of police (DGP), replacing Hitesh Chandra Awasthy, who retired from the services on Friday.
Goel, a 1987-batch IPS officer, was on central deputation, serving as ADG, Border Security Force (BSF) before taking over the top post in UP Police.
He had served as ADG, law and order, during Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013.
The police chief after landing from New Delhi at Amausi airport in Lucknow dashed to Hanuman Setu temple and thereafter met Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath.
Later, as per protocol, guard of honour was given at police officers' mess in Lucknow opposite police commissioner's office at Shahnajaf road.
The officer's cavalcade then marched to the DGP headquarters and he took charge from Prashant Kumar, ADG, law and order.
Assuming the charge, Goel in his first interaction with media said that 'crime control' is the main job of the police and it is not possible without public support.
He further laid stress on technology and added that it is very important and we must use it for better policing.
"Interaction with public holds key for better policing and gap between police and public should be lessened," said Goel.
Goel added that petty crimes must not be overlooked while more officers should go to the fields.
"Maintaining law and order is a challenge but I have firm faith that our team will do it," said the top cop.
