The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will probe the alleged irregularities in the recruitments by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) candidates, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said here on Thursday.

“The CID will submit a detailed report within a month and the government will take strict action against any official found guilty,” Siddaramaiah said in his address to the state-level police review conference here.

Besides, intelligence sleuths in the police force will be recruited directly as is done in Gujarat and Maharashtra. “As several terror-related incidents have occurred in recent months, the government has begun consultation with senior police officers for holding separate recruitment drive for the intelligence wing,” the Chief Minister added.

The government has approved filling up 8,051 vacancies of various ranks, but the physical norms for Scheduled tribe (ST) candidates should be relaxed so that they don’t miss out.
“STs are malnourished and hence unable to meet the prescribed physical standards. Therefore, norms should be relaxed for them,” he added.

Siddaramaiah also clarified the government’s stand on the appointment of police officers and said that the Police Establishment Board (PEB) had been given free hand in respect of promotion and transfers of officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police and below.

“The government will not interfere in the routine functions of the police. But the Home Minister should have a say in the appointment of senior officers so that he maintains cordial relations with them,” he added.

The Chief Minister directed the senior police officers to instruct their subordinates not to seek bribe and not to allow the sale of tobacco or live band in their respective areas.

He also warned officials against misusing their position and dealing with land sharks, etc.
He advised the police to regain public trust, act on their complaints and apprehend offenders.