- Sunil Phulari is a 2008-batch IPS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, currently the Special Inspector General (IG) for Kolhapur and five other districts.
- He received the Suryadatta Suryabhushan National Award 2025 for his leadership in law enforcement and service to the nation.
- His career includes significant roles in Nagpur, Pune, and Naxal-affected areas, with notable achievements in cybercrime, wildlife crime, and communal harmony.
- The evidence leans toward him being recognized for integrity and innovative policing, including establishing the Economic Offences Wing and Cyber Lab in Pune.
Background and Career
Sunil Phulari’s journey in the Indian Police Service (IPS) began with his 2008 batch induction into the Maharashtra cadre. Over the years, he has held pivotal positions across the state, showcasing his ability to handle diverse challenges. Currently, he serves as the Special Inspector General (IG) for the Kolhapur Range, overseeing Kolhapur and five other districts.
Achievements and Recognition
Phulari’s leadership has been marked by significant contributions, such as establishing the Economic Offences Wing and Cyber Lab in Pune, enhancing the region’s capacity to tackle economic and cybercrimes. His work in Naxal-affected areas like Gadchiroli and Chandrapur demonstrates his strategic approach to security. Additionally, he has been instrumental in maintaining communal harmony during sensitive periods and ensuring violence-free elections in 2023. His efforts in busting an international wildlife crime syndicate, seizing illegal goods worth 45 crores, highlight his commitment to broader law enforcement goals. For these contributions, he was awarded the President’s Medal for meritorious service and, most recently, the Suryadatta Suryabhushan National Award 2025.
Detailed Biography of Sunil Phulari, IPS
Sunil Phulari stands as a beacon of exemplary service within the Indian Police Service (IPS), a 2008-batch officer of the Maharashtra cadre whose career is defined by dedication, innovation, and leadership. Currently serving as the Special Inspector General (IG) for the Kolhapur Range, which includes Kolhapur and five other districts, Phulari’s journey reflects a commitment to both law enforcement and societal welfare. His recent conferment of the Suryadatta Suryabhushan National Award 2025, awarded on March 18, 2025, for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service, underscores his impact on the nation.
Early Career and Diverse Postings
While specific details about Phulari’s early life and education remain less documented, his entry into the IPS in 2008 marks the beginning of a robust career. His postings have spanned critical regions of Maharashtra, including Nagpur, Jalgaon, Sangli, Pune, Nashik, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Satara, Miraj, and Vishalgad. Each role has presented unique challenges, from combating Naxalism in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur to maintaining law and order in urban centers like Pune and Nagpur. His ability to adapt and lead in these diverse environments has been a cornerstone of his professional journey.
Key Achievements in Law Enforcement
Phulari’s tenure in Pune stands out for his establishment of the Economic Offences Wing and the Cyber Lab, significantly bolstering the city’s response to economic and cybercrimes. This initiative not only enhanced technological capabilities but also set a precedent for modern policing in Maharashtra. In Nagpur, he effectively implemented the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, leading to a notable reduction in serious crimes. His strategic operations in Naxal-affected areas, particularly Gadchiroli and Chandrapur, have been praised for their balance of security measures and community engagement, helping to curb insurgent activities.
Community Welfare and Social Policing
Beyond traditional policing, Phulari has embraced social policing, implementing innovative schemes like the “Seva Project.” This initiative, aimed at supporting vulnerable sections of society, reflects his holistic approach to law enforcement, blending security with community welfare. His efforts have extended to maintaining communal harmony during caste conflicts and the Maratha reservation agitations in regions like Kolhapur, Satara, Miraj, and Vishalgad, showcasing his skill in dialogue and conflict resolution.
Handling Critical Situations
Phulari’s leadership has been tested in handling riots and district situations, such as the Kolhapur city riots and encroachments in Vishalgad. His approach, often relying on dialogue and strategic intervention, has been commended for its effectiveness. His role in ensuring violence-free Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in 2023 further highlights his commitment to democratic processes. Additionally, his work in busting an international wildlife crime syndicate, involving the seizure of illegal goods worth 45 crores related to whale meat smuggling, underscores his dedication to environmental conservation and international law enforcement cooperation.
Recognition and Legacy
Phulari’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the President’s Medal for meritorious service, a testament to his integrity, dedication, and disciplined approach. Under his leadership, the Shivajinagar and Shiroli Police Stations in Kolhapur were declared the best in the district for 2024, reflecting his impact on policing standards. The Suryadatta Suryabhushan National Award 2025, conferred on March 18, 2025, recognizes his excellence in leadership and service, particularly highlighted during an interaction session where he shared insights on policing, cybercrime, women’s safety, and community policing with students, emphasizing the importance of societal contribution over personal achievement.
Tables of Key Postings and Achievements
| Location | Role/Contribution |
|---|---|
| Pune | Established Economic Offences Wing and Cyber Lab, enhanced economic and cyber security |
| Nagpur | Implemented MCOCA and MPDA, reduced serious crimes |
| Gadchiroli, Chandrapur | Excellent performance in Naxal-affected areas, strategic operations |
| Kolhapur, Satara, Miraj, Vishalgad | Maintained communal harmony during agitations, handled riots with dialogue |
| State-wide | Ensured violence-free 2023 elections, busted international wildlife crime syndicate |
| Award | Year | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| President’s Medal for Meritorious Service | 2025 | Recognized for integrity and dedicated service |
| Suryadatta Suryabhushan National Award | 2025 | Exemplary leadership in law enforcement and service |
Conclusion
Sunil Phulari’s career is a narrative of relentless service, innovative policing, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the community. His awards and recognitions are not merely personal accolades but reflections of his contribution to society’s greater good, inspiring future generations of law enforcement officers. His journey, marked by strategic leadership and community engagement, continues to shape the landscape of policing in Maharashtra.