Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has welcomed the state government's decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged serial murders in Dharmasthala. However, he stressed that the investigation must be conducted within a stipulated timeframe and adhere strictly to legal norms.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Bommai cautioned that the SIT should not function with a predetermined target in mind. "The people of Dharmasthala and the local police are well aware of the region. The complainants have alleged that they were under pressure. The source of that pressure must be investigated," he said.

Bommai further stressed that police should act responsibly and take appropriate legal action in connection with the incidents at Dharmasthala. "Dharmasthala is a historic and revered temple. Undermining public faith in such an institution must be strictly avoided," he said.

On a separate issue, Bommai criticised the state government for issuing tax notices to small and micro traders. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of deflecting responsibility by blaming the Centre. "The notices have shocked small traders, but instead of addressing the issue, the Chief Minister is trying to wash his hands of it," Bommai alleged.

Commenting on internal developments within the ruling Congress party, Bommai predicted significant political shifts in the coming days. "No matter what anyone says, these changes are inevitable," he claimed. Responding to speculation about efforts to unite former ministers Sriramulu and Janardhan Reddy, Bommai dismissed it, stating that the trio has always shared a strong understanding.

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New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police announced a series of infrastructure and technology upgrades under the Safe City Project, including the expansion of surveillance systems and construction of new facilities, on the occasion of its 79th Raising Day.

Officials said that under the project, the Command and Control Centre will be further strengthened and several CCTV cameras have already been installed across the national capital. The surveillance system is equipped with advanced features such as hand-gesture recognition, facial detection and overcrowding alerts to enhance real-time monitoring.

"Mobile command vehicles will also be deployed to improve on-ground coordination during emergencies and major events," a senior police officer said.

The Special Cell headquarters will be constructed in Lodhi Colony to bolster operational efficiency. In addition, three new police stations and six police chowkis will be set up.

A seven-floor hostel for women police personnel will be built in Rohini, with accommodation capacity for 132 staff members, officials said.