Someone in Karnataka govt behind release of an accused in PSI job scam, alleges Congress
Bengaluru, May 2: The Congress on Monday claimed that a Karnataka Minister 'influenced' the Crime Investigation Department, probing the Police Sub-Inspector recruitment scam, and got an accused person in the case released.
The scam was unearthed in the recruitment process of Police Sub-Inspectors recently.
Addressing reporters, Congress state unit chief D K Shivakumar said, I don't have the exact details but someone, either the home minister or some minister -- directed the CID officers to release an accused and gave instructions that no further inquiry should be conducted against him." He further alleged that a minister's younger brother or relatives were also involved in the recruitment scam.
He claimed that the exam was cancelled only to safeguard shady elements. Appealing to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai 'not to protect' the influential, the Congress veteran challenged him to demonstrate his commitment and determination to take action against those involved in the case irrespective of their 'powerful stature and political affiliation.' After Shivakumar hinted at the involvement of Karnataka IT-BT and Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, who is also the district in charge minister of Ramanagara, the latter hit back saying there was no question of him recommending or helping anyone.
Narayan also alleged that Shivakumar's charges lacked clarity and were based on whims and fancy only to tarnish his image.
In connection with the PSI recruitment scam, there is no question of me recommending or helping anyone. Those who are leveling allegations lack clarity as their charges are based on assumptions that me or my brothers and relatives could be involved, the minister told media.
Meanwhile, the PSI exam candidates staged demonstration at the Freedom Park demanding posting orders.
Holding placards, they raised slogans saying either give them posting orders or poison.
According to police sources, kingpin Divya Hagargi's close aid Kashinath too surrendered before the police today. He was a teacher at a school in Kalaburagi where the scam came to light.
Another accused in the scam, who had made the OMR sheet of a candidate public was also arrested. Several officials were accused of being involved in the irregularities in the recruitment exam held in October last year for filling up 545 PSI posts.
The Bommai government annulled the examination following alleged large-scale irregularities to fill the posts. So far more than 30 people have been arrested in connection with the case while 10 are absconding.
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Govt to set up Bureau of Port Security to boost port, vessel security
New Delhi (PTI): To beef up the security infrastructure of ports, the government will set up a statutory body -- the Bureau of Port Security -- that will ensure timely analysis, collection and exchange of security-related information of ports and vessels, officials said on Friday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday convened a meeting for the constitution of the dedicated body, the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), which was attended by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, an official statement said.
Emphasising that there is a need to establish a country-wide robust port security framework, Shah directed that security measures should be implemented in a graded and risk-based manner, taking into account vulnerabilities, trade potential, location, and other relevant parameters.
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The meeting also noted that lessons learned from the maritime security framework shall be replicated in the aviation security domain, the statement said.
The new body, modelled on the lines of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), will be constituted as a statutory body under the new Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, and will work under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), it said.
Headed by a senior IPS officer as its director general, the BoPS will be responsible for regulatory and oversight functions relating to the security of ships and port facilities.
"During the transition period of one year, the director general of shipping shall function as the director general of BoPS," the statement said.
"The BoPS will ensure timely analysis, collection and exchange of security-related information, with a special focus on cybersecurity, including a dedicated division to safeguard port IT infrastructure from digital threats," it said.
The government has designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as a recognised security organisation (RSO), responsible for undertaking security assessments and preparation of security plans for port facilities.
The Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will train and build the capacities of private security agencies (PSAs) engaged in port security.
"These agencies shall be certified and appropriate regulatory measures shall be introduced to ensure that only the licensed PSAs operate in this sector," the statement said.
