Governor lauds Karnataka Police, CM stresses protection of weaker sections
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday praised the Karnataka Police for its courage, discipline and sacrifice, calling it a leading force in the country.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also attended the event, exhorted the police to ensure protection for the weaker sections of society.
While presenting the President's Distinguished Service Medal, President's Commendable Service Medal, and the Union Home Minister's Medal to police officers and personnel at the President's Medal Investiture Ceremony 2025 held at Raj Bhavan, the governor said the awards recognised exemplary service in maintaining peace and security.
He also urged the force to intensify the use of technology to tackle emerging crimes such as cyber offences.
"This ceremony is a mark of respect for the police and reflects the deep faith society holds towards its guardians," Gehlot said.
"Karnataka Police has consistently earned people's trust through its discipline, courage and sacrifice. It has rightly earned recognition as the premier police force of the country."
The Governor also acknowledged the contribution of police families and expressed confidence that the force would continue to uphold national security, unity and integrity with renewed dedication.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also attended the event, called on the police to ensure protection for weaker sections of society and to take strong measures against atrocities meted out on persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
He pointed out that conviction rates in such cases remain low compared to other states and urged police officers to work with greater sensitivity and accountability.
Chief Minister noted that DCRE police stations established in every district to address issues of vulnerable groups have not shown satisfactory progress.
He said preventive steps must be taken to curb crimes and that police performance should be measured by the crimes they prevent rather than just by numbers.
"Police must uphold their social responsibility so that peace prevails in society," Siddaramaiah said.
"If officers perform their duties with sincerity and social concern, society will benefit and justice will be accessible to the common man," he added.
On the occasion, Home Minister G Parameshwara, Director General of Police M A Salim and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Tushar Girinath were also present.
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
