‘CCTV camera mandatory in public places’

As per government regulations, it is mandatory to install CCTV cameras at public places, said DCP (Law and Order) Hanumantaraya.

Speaking during the monthly SC/ST grievance redressal meeting at the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner’s office on Sunday, he said that the state government has passed the Karnataka Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Bill. Accordingly, it is mandatory for private establishments such as schools, colleges, apartments, commercial buildings and various public locations to install CCTV cameras. It is compulsory to ensure high quality resolution of the cameras. The Police Department will be the authority to implement.

The government has already passed the Karnataka State Public Safety Bill in the Assembly and the same will be officially notified as an Act, through the state gazette soon, he added.

The DCP’s response came in the wake of the concern raised by Raghuveer Sooterpet regarding the outbreak of chain snatching and other crimes at Sooterpet near Valancia. Raghuveer suggested that CCTV cameras be installed in the area.

Jyothi alleged that a former mayor had abused her using foul language over phone. She and her husband were working on allocation of sites near Koragajjana Katte at Padavinangady and about 31 families were benefited. Both Jyothi and her husband had toiled hard to get the paperwork completed for regularisation of houses under Akrama Sakrama for the beneficiaries. However, some people have opposed the work, she said.

She further said that in a case of misuse of government machinery, a PWD contractor has submitted an SC/ST caste certificate, although belonging to Reddy community, to avail of benefits from government. He had obtained the caste certificates for himself and his son by calling himself a Bhovi. The truth has already been revealed during police inquiry, she said and requested for proper action against the fraudster.

Mukesh said that many people who come from North Indian states to Mangaluru have been indulging in drug transportation and abuse.

The DCP assured of initiating proper action in the matter.

The participants also raised concern over checking traffic congestion at Kulshekhar, collection of more than the prescribed amount from passengers by the prepaid auto-rickshaw drivers at the railway station, and illegal dumping of waste in Chembugudde.

Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement SP C B Vedamurthy was present.