SINDHUDURG

Police & Judiciary

Last updated on 5 November 2025. Help us improve the information on this page by clicking on suggest edits or writing to us.

Sindhudurg district has a well-structured policing system with police stations strategically positioned across major towns, talukas, and key locations to ensure law and order. The police presence in prominent areas such as Malvan, Sawantwadi, and Devgad ensures the safety of both residents and visitors, while stations near ports and highways help regulate transport and trade activities.

Police Stations in Sindhudurg. Source: Google Earth (Sept. 2023)

Locally, police officers are commonly addressed as "Saheb" instead of "Sir," as a mark of respect, while female officers are referred to as "Police Madam." Children often affectionately call police officers "Police Mama." This cultural distinction reflects the deep connection between the police force and the local community in Sindhudurg.

Community Perception of Safety

In Sindhudurg, safety is viewed from two perspectives. According to locals, on one hand, man-made threats are minimal, and children and women generally feel secure even after dark. The district’s low crime rate and strong sense of community contribute to this sense of safety, allowing residents to move freely.

However, nighttime travel is often avoided due to wildlife presence and deep-rooted superstitions. The region’s dense forests are home to panthers, bison, wild pigs, and tuskers, which frequently wander into residential areas in search of food and water. To monitor and manage human-wildlife interactions, the forest department has set up observatories in specific areas.

Additionally, Sindhudurg has a long-standing belief in supernatural entities, with locals considering Konkan to be a land of both devtas and spirits. Many people feel that local devtas and spirits coexist, leading to widespread superstitions that discourage venturing out at night. These cultural beliefs, combined with the risk posed by wild animals, influence the community’s nighttime behavior and perception of safety.