Karnataka police chief orders integrity checks amid misconduct cases
Bengaluru (PTI): In response to a surge in cases involving police personnel in robbery, theft and fraud, Karnataka DG&IGP M A Saleem has directed all police units to conduct regular background checks, integrity assessments and counselling to prevent misconduct in the force.
He warned that any police officer or staff member found engaging in criminal acts will face the "most severe" disciplinary action.
In a circular dated December 5 issued to all SPs, zonal heads, commissioners, the top cop stated that such involvement of police personnel in criminal or illegal activities is completely unacceptable.
He cited recent incidents, including the Davangere case, where two police sub-inspectors were arrested for allegedly robbing a gold merchant after posing as IG Squad officers, and the Bengaluru case in which a Govindpura police constable was held for his role in a meticulously planned, high-value cash robbery in collusion with a former cash management firm employee.
"These incidents bring shame to the force, damage public confidence, and cast doubt on the integrity of the entire law enforcement machinery," he said.
According to the circular, DG&IGP Saleem has directed the unit officers to conduct regular background checks and integrity assessments of all subordinate officers and staff without fail.
He has instructed the department to organise awareness sessions and training programmes on ethical conduct, legal responsibilities, and the consequences of corruption and misconduct.
"Immediately report to Police Headquarters any information regarding illegal activities or criminal behaviour by any police officer or employee," it stated.
The unit officers have been instructed to provide guidance and counselling programmes to address issues related to low morale, work-related stress, and other factors that may contribute to ethical lapses.
The police chief has asked the unit officers to strictly enforce the existing Code of Conduct and ensure that no deviations are tolerated under any circumstance.
"Failure of Unit Officers to proactively and fully implement these measures will be treated as gross negligence and will attract departmental disciplinary action. Any compromise with the dignity, honour, or integrity of the police department is unacceptable," the circular stated.
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India submits nomination of Meghalaya's living root bridges for UNESCO World Heritage site
Shillong (PTI): India has submitted to UNESCO in Paris the nomination dossier of Meghalaya's living root bridges for consideration to include in the World Heritage list 2026-27, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday.
The dossier was handed over by India's Ambassador Vishal V Sharma to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre Director Lazare Assomo Eloundou, a statement said.
"We are hopeful that the living root bridges will be inscribed this year, ensuring that the indigenous communities, the true guardians of this living heritage, receive the global recognition they so richly deserve," Sangma said on X.
While submitting the dossier, Sharma, the Permanent Representative to UNESCO, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and the Meghalaya CM for their support to the nomination, the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO said in a statement.
Sharma also acknowledged the role of Meghalaya Principal Secretary Frederick Kharkongor, officers of the Archaeological Survey of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, experts and the local communities in safeguarding the property and preparing the nomination.
Located across the southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of the northeastern state, the nominated property represents a living cultural landscape shaped over centuries by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities.
"The landscape reflects a deep-rooted and harmonious relationship between people, nature and spirituality, embodied in traditional systems of land use, governance and ecological stewardship," the statement said.
The indigenous worldview underpinning the cultural landscape is anchored in principles of respect, reciprocity and responsibility towards Mei Ramew (Mother Earth), it said.
"The submission of this nomination underscores India's commitment to recognising and preserving living cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge systems, and to advancing global heritage conservation efforts through UNESCO," the statement added.
