'If Maharashtra police can...': Siddaramaiah slams Karnataka police for lack of vigilance

Bengaluru: “If Maharashtra police can come to Bengaluru and bust drug rackets, why can’t the Karnataka police?” CM Siddaramaiah openly expressed his displeasure over the performance of the police.

Speaking after inaugurating the annual conference of police officers in DG & IGP Head Office on Saturday, the Chief Minister also observed that incidents such as ATM robbery cases, the banner-related dispute in Ballari and the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium could have been prevented if the police had exercised better vigilance and taken timely safety measures.

Siddaramaiah stressed that the primary responsibility of the police is not only to investigate crimes after they occur but also to prevent them. He said effective monitoring, advance assessment of potential flashpoints and coordination among officers could significantly reduce such incidents. Referring to recent drug seizures by Maharashtra police in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister questioned why Karnataka police were unable to achieve similar results. He said action has been ordered against officials who failed to detect and prevent drug-related offences.

Referring to the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Chief Minister said adequate crowd management and timely intervention could have saved innocent lives. Similarly, he said the ATM robbery case could have been checked with better surveillance and patrolling, while the Ballari banner dispute could have been defused through early police intervention.

The Chief Minister underlined the need for heightened alertness, especially during public events and sensitive situations. He also called for greater accountability within the force, stating that even minor lapses in vigilance could lead to serious consequences for the public. The police department has been playing a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony in society and stressed that law must be applied equally to all, irrespective of power or position, he said.

While stating that crime cannot be eliminated entirely, Siddaramaiah said it can certainly be reduced. He termed it “shameful” that police personnel themselves were involved in 88 criminal cases last year. He also warned that no lapses would be tolerated in controlling drug networks, prison administration or jail management. The government is prepared to introduce a new law in the coming Assembly session to ensure strict action against offenders in drug-related cases, CM said.

While crimes such as theft, extortion, robbery and murder have reduced, cybercrime and drug-related offences continue to remain a concern, Siddaramaiah said. “Drug abuse is destroying the youth. The government has resolved to make Karnataka a drug-free State. If the police work with alertness and efficiency, this goal can be achieved while also protecting young people,” he said.

Foreign nationals involved in drug trade must be deported

The Chief Minister said the drug network could be dismantled by questioning drug peddlers and addicts, which would lead investigators to suppliers and producers. He directed all police stations to intensify such efforts immediately. “Foreign nationals who are released on bail often remain here and re-engage in the same crimes. Such persons should be deported to their home countries without any leniency,” he said.

Senior officers to closely monitor police stations

Siddaramaiah instructed senior officers to keep a strict watch over inspectors, sub-inspectors and DySPs functioning at police stations to ensure they do not become involved in criminal activities.

"Laws need tightening to curb cybercrime and drugs"

He said existing laws may need to be strengthened to effectively tackle cybercrime and drug trafficking. “New legislation or amendments may be introduced in the coming days,” he added.

"Ballari incident: Action after CID report "

On the 'Ballari Banner' incident, the Chief Minister said the case has been handed over to the CID. He said the district police superintendent was suspended as Ballari is a sensitive district and the officer was not present at the spot. “Action will be taken against those responsible after the investigation report is submitted,” he said.

"Rajeev Gowda to be arrested"

On a case involving the alleged abuse of the Shidlaghatta municipal commissioner, Siddaramaiah said Congress leader Rajeev Gowda is absconding and will be arrested soon. “Irrespective of party affiliation, no one is above the law,” he asserted.

Do not allow Bengaluru to become cybercrime hub: Home Minister

Stressing the need to intensify efforts against drug trafficking and cybercrime, Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said the police must work more effectively to curb these growing threats.

Addressing senior police officers annual conference after reviewing progress at a meeting the Home Minister expressed concern that despite continuous enforcement actions, drug-related activities continue unabated in the State.

He also pointed out a sharp rise in cybercrime cases, noting that innocent citizens are losing lakhs of rupees every day. To tackle drug peddling and cyber offences, the State government had established exclusive specialised units — a first-of-its-kind in the country — but their performance has not matched the government’s expectations, he said. “These divisions should not be treated casually. Officers must work with greater seriousness and efficiency to achieve the intended results,” he said. 

Highlighting Bengaluru’s global profile, the Home Minister said the city is under international scrutiny and should not be allowed to turn into a hub for cybercrime. While acknowledging the commendable work done by police in cracking some recent cybercrime cases, he stressed the need to further strengthen the department’s technological capabilities. The government would extend all necessary support in this regard, he assured.

Parameshwara also expressed concern over the handling of cases related to crimes against women and children. Merely arresting the accused and producing them before court is not sufficient, he said, pointing out that many offenders are escaping punishment. “The focus must be on ensuring justice to victims and securing convictions,” he added.

Describing honour killings as incidents that bring shame to civil society, the Home Minister said police must provide adequate protection to couples who enter into inter-caste marriages despite opposition from their families. He directed DCRE police stations to pay special attention to such cases and urged officers to listen sensitively to the grievances of people belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.