Bengaluru, June 27:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday expressed strong displeasure over the declining quality of police investigations in Karnataka and directed senior officers to immediately enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the state police force.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the office of the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP), the Chief Minister pointed to delays in handling major cases and questioned the intelligence department’s failure to provide timely updates, particularly in the wake of the recent mob violence incident in Bengaluru.
“I’ve been an MLA since 1983 and have served as Chief Minister, but I’ve never witnessed such a delayed and inefficient response. The intelligence department failed to deliver accurate information. Due to this, 11 people lost their lives,” Siddaramaiah said.
He revealed that deaths in the Bengaluru incident had occurred by 3:50 PM, but officials informed him at 5:45 PM that only one casualty had taken place. “By then, 11 people had already died. If we had received the right inputs, we could have cancelled the stadium programme scheduled for that evening,” he said.
The CM further criticized the prolonged delay in arresting suspects. Referring to the Bidar robbery case, he noted that although the accused was identified, no arrest had been made even after five months. “This shows a serious failure in timely execution,” he added.
Disciplinary Action & Accountability
Acknowledging his disappointment in having to suspend senior officials, Siddaramaiah said, “I didn’t take pleasure in doing that, but if the mistake is genuine, action must be taken. We cannot afford to tolerate such lapses.”
He also came down heavily on delays in filing charge sheets in criminal cases, calling it a “major failure” that hampers justice delivery.
Why Only Dakshina Kannada?
Questioning the rise in communal clashes in the Dakshina Kannada district, the CM asked officials why such incidents are not being reported in other parts of the state. He urged the police to identify those disrupting peace and initiate strict legal action, irrespective of their status.
“Why is no suo motu action being taken against those delivering hate speeches or disturbing public order? If you do not act, we will be forced to act against you,” he warned officials.
Key Announcements and Directives:
- Recruitment Drive: The process to fill vacant posts in the police department will commence in two months.
- Adequate Funding: The CM said most of the department’s demands have been met and ample funds have been allocated. “Maintaining law and order and ensuring justice for all — rich or poor — is your primary duty,” he said.
- Democratic Values: Siddaramaiah reminded officers that the government has pledged to uphold the Constitution and guarantee justice to every section of society.
- People-Centric Policing: He emphasized the need for police stations to become more people-friendly and to create an environment where those with criminal intent fear the law.
“This is a democracy. Listening to the people’s concerns is the responsibility of the police,” he added.
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, CM’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretary Anjum Parvez, Home Department ACS Gaurav Gupta, and DGP Dr. A.M. Salim attended the meeting.
