Cybercrime, drug offences rising in Karnataka; CM Siddaramaiah urges strict police action
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday cautioned that cybercrimes and drug-related offences are on the rise in the state and urged the police to take strong and effective measures to curb them.
He also called on the police to make better use of technology to curb such crimes.
The chief minister was speaking at the ‘Karnataka Police Flag Day’ event, attended by Home Minister G Parameshwara and senior Home Department and police officials.
“In the last three years, there has been a decline in major crimes such as murder, robbery, and theft. I compliment the police for this. However, we cannot ignore that in certain crimes we are above the national average. Cybercrimes and drug and narcotics-related offences are on the higher side, and the conviction rate is also low,” Siddaramaiah said.
Addressing police officers and personnel, he said the Karnataka government intends to make the state drug-free and that all necessary measures should be taken in this direction.
“I have stated on several occasions, and I reiterate that criminal offences cannot occur without the knowledge of the police within their station jurisdiction. This must be clearly understood,” he said.
“If police inspectors work efficiently and honestly within their limits, they can prevent several criminal activities,” he added.
Noting that the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law, the chief minister said this principle should always be upheld.
“No one can take the law into their own hands, irrespective of how powerful or influential they are,” he said.
He also urged the police to remain alert and work efficiently in areas where they are lagging in preventing crime and maintaining peace and tranquillity.
Emphasising the use of technology in crime prevention, Siddaramaiah said the police have lagged in this area on several occasions.
“By using technology, the police should prevent crimes, especially cybercrimes and drug and narcotics-related offences, as these are destroying our youth, who are our future. This is very important,” he said, adding that two special task forces have been set up to tackle cybercrime and make the state drug-free.
Warning of action against police personnel who fail to prevent crimes, the CM instructed the Home Minister to hold jurisdictional inspectors accountable if necessary preventive measures are not taken despite repeated warnings.
He added that his government is committed to protecting women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sections of society, and that the police play a crucial role in ensuring their safety.
Acknowledging that police personnel, unlike those in other departments, do not have fixed working hours and often work during festivals and holidays, he said, “A country or a state with good law and order can progress, as it attracts investment, reduces unemployment, and boosts GDP growth. Therefore, along with development, maintaining harmony is equally important.”
Speaking at the event, Parameshwara said the government has taken initiatives to eradicate the drug network in the state and that the CM has announced his intention to make Karnataka “drug-free.”
“In the last three years, drugs worth thousands of crores of rupees have been seized, and strict action has been taken against many accused involved in the racket,” he said.
He noted that cybercrime is on the rise in the country and added that Karnataka has, for the first time, established a Cyber Command Unit and appointed a Director General-rank officer to lead it. Efforts are underway to curb cybercrime by strengthening the unit.
Referring to the Union Home Minister’s recent statement declaring the country Naxal-free, Parameshwara said, “By establishing an Anti-Naxal Force many years ago, Karnataka became the first Naxal-free state in the country.”
He added that modern challenges are evolving daily and stressed the need for continuous training across all levels of the police force.
Lauding the police for maintaining peace, tranquillity, and law and order in the state, the minister said that, according to the India Justice Report, Karnataka ranks first in providing justice to aggrieved parties in the country.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Yediyurappa fought for people, not for power: Vijayendra
Chitradurga: Karnataka BJP president and MLA B. Y. Vijayendra said former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa did not struggle for power, but dedicated his political life to fighting for the people.
Speaking at the ‘Abhimanotsava’ organised in honour of Yediyurappa, Vijayendra said sacrifice, hard work and struggle are synonymous with the veteran leader’s name.
He described Yediyurappa as a mass leader who has inspired many, including himself. He said the large turnout of people from across Karnataka reflected the affection and respect the public continues to have for Yediyurappa.
Vijayendra said the event marked a historic moment and served as a tribute to Yediyurappa’s five decades in public life.
“I have closely witnessed his struggles. He has seen many ups and downs in life, but never turned his back on challenges. Whether it was political conspiracies or difficult situations, he always faced them with courage,” he said.
Vijayendra also thanked Amit Shah, whom he described as an election strategist, for attending the event after participating in the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP government in West Bengal.
He said Chitradurga was chosen for the celebration because of its historical and cultural significance, describing it as the land of Madakari Nayaka, Onake Obavva and several revered seers.
Vijayendra added that, for the first time in Karnataka’s history, several swamijis had come together on a single stage for such an event.
