From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jan 8: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked the police to be people-friendly and ensure that the general public was provided a fear-free atmosphere while creating fear among criminals.
Speaking at Pulakeshinagar after inaugurating the new housing complex for policemen and also new police stations at Cubbon Park, High Grounds and Chamarajpet in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah said the government can comfortably devote its attention to development works when police are people-friendly.
With State’s population crossing the 7 crore mark, it is the responsibility of the police to ensure protection to people and their properties while creating a fear-free atmosphere for all citizens. The police should be courteous to people and help the people in solving their problems, he said.
The Chief Minister said the government was happy at the declining crime rate and advised policemen to be cautious of the criminal and anti-social elements who are finding new ways and methods to outsmart them. The police should be one step ahead of the criminals in solving the cases and checking crimes.
He cautioned the police that the government will not tolerate policemen colluding with real estate mafia and anti-social elements.
Assuring the police that the government will take steps to improve their lot and provide more housing facilities, he said government will stand behind the police in maintaining law and order situation in the State.
HM Parameshwara lauds fall in crime rate
Speaking on the occasion, Home Minister Parameshwara said, "Karnataka police are recognised as some of the best in the country, effectively tackling numerous challenges.
“During Siddaramaiah's tenure as Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018, the department received significant support and incentives. When we examined police housing, we found it lacked proper facilities. To address this, the police housing scheme was launched, aiming to provide suitable residences. So far, 46 per cent of the planned housing has been delivered, and the scheme will continue in the coming days."
He mentioned that a request for increased funding has been submitted to the central government. If approved, it would enable the provision of better facilities for police officers and staff.
He urged the police to work harder to bring justice to the public, emphasizing that crime rates in urban areas have been declining.
Highlighting progress in controlling cybercrime, Parameshwara stated, "We have taken significant steps to curb cybercrime. Karnataka is the first state to appoint a DGP-level officer exclusively for the Cybercrime Division. Necessary measures are being taken to prevent data theft."
Parameshwara also emphasised women's and children's safety in urban areas. Under the Nirbhaya Scheme, Rs 650 crore has been spent to install CCTV cameras in Bengaluru.
He praised the police force for ensuring no untoward incidents occurred during New Year celebrations, demonstrating their diligence.
Reiterating the government's commitment to a ‘Drug-Free Karnataka,’ he said, "Drugs worth hundreds of crores have been seized and destroyed. A special operation was launched a month before New Year to combat drug trafficking, and this effort will continue."
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Energy Minister K.J. George, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Dr. K. Govindaraju, MLA Rizwan Arshad, DGP Alok Mohan, Managing Director of the Karnataka Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation K. Ramachandra Rao, and Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda.
(With inputs from IANS)