The restored 125-year-old commissioner’s office at Purani Haveli, which is also known as Kotwal Balda Building, in old city, Hyderabad, on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: G. RAMAKRISHNA
The historic Purani Haveli building, formerly known as – The Kotwal House, was re-inaugurated on Wednesday by Hyderabad In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar.
Originally serving as the Hyderabad police commissioner’s office between 1920 and 2002, the Purani Haveli building had fallen into disrepair and was considered for demolition after a roof collapse four years ago. However, its historical value prompted a full-scale restoration effort, fully funded by Chalamalasetty Anil Kumar, Director of Ace Urban Developers Pvt. Ltd and Group CEO & MD of Greenko Group.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand, who was present at the inauguration, said the restoration, which began in December 2022, was a painstaking process requiring patience and care. Commending architect Mir Barkatullah Khan of Deccan Terrain Agencies for his work, he said the building had now been restored to its former grandeur.
The restored 125-year-old commissioner’s office at Purani Haveli, which is also known as Kotwal Balda Building, in old city, Hyderabad, on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
G. RAMAKRISHNA
“From now on, the Hyderabad City Kotwal will have a dedicated space when visiting the Old City,” he added.
The Commissioner also announced a new schedule for public interaction, stating that he would be available to citizens every Friday at The Kotwal House, once a week at the Basheerbagh office, and on the remaining days at the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate in Banjara Hills.
Alongside the reopening of Purani Haveli, the Minister also inaugurated newly constructed police station buildings at Kalapathar, Chatrinaka traffic police stations and Shalibanda, further strengthening the city’s policing infrastructure.
Published – July 10, 2025 12:22 am IST
