BJP attacks government over 'rising crime rate'

The State government on Tuesday came under severe criticism from the opposition BJP in the Assembly for the increasing number of crimes and deteriorating law and order situation in the State.

BJP deputy leader R Ashoka, making a preliminary submission on an adjournment motion sought to be moved on the law and order situation, charged the government with allowing the law and order situation to collapse in the State. There has been a sudden spurt in crime rate on the one hand and on the other, the morale of the police is at its lowest, he alleged.

‘No control over police’

The police force lacks discipline. This was on display recently when about 1,000 KSRP personnel took to streets, protesting the transfer of ADGP P Ravindranath over the issue of he taking objectionable photographs of women at a coffee shop. The entire incident showed that the government has lost control over the police force, he alleged.

In another recent incident, the police personnel at the prison in Mangalore were beaten up by the inmates. They went on a rampage when authorities tried to shift two undertrials to the Dharwad Central Prison.

“How can prisoners beat up policemen? What has the government done about the issue?” he said.

Home Minister K J George did not handle the issue of the death of sub-inspector Mallikarjuna Bande in Gulbarga properly. The minister had stated that the police officer died due to the involvement of underworld elements. But the CID investigation report said that Bande died due to firing by a fellow officer.

Extension of nightlife

Ashoka, a former Home minister, said the crime rate has increased in the State, especially Bangalore, in recent months. The increase is mainly due to extension of nightlife in Bangalore. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah later said that the government would give a detailed reply on the issue. He said there was no need for any discussion as the BJP leader had made a lengthy preliminary submission.