Police being booked in 88 criminal cases last year ‘shameful’, says Siddaramaiah

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday termed as “shameful” police personnel in Karnataka themselves being involved in 88 criminal cases in the past year.

During the legislative session in December, Home Minister G. Parameshwara had given data that showed that criminal cases had been registered against 88 police personnel and officers for their alleged involvement in criminal activities.

Addressing the annual conference of police officers on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that such cases — where protectors turn predators — are “unpardonable” and bring a bad name to both the the police force and the government.

Cybercrime, narcotics

Speaking on the crime rate in Karnataka, he said it had reduced significantly in the past few years, but cybercrime and cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act continue to remain a serious challenge.

Police from other States cracking major drug cases in Karnataka was “embarrassing” for the State police, he said. He urged the Karnataka Police to intensify their crackdown on drug networks operating in the State.

Warning that irregularities in prisons and any failure in controlling drug networks would not be tolerated, the Chief Minister said the government is prepared to introduce a new law in the forthcoming legislative session to ensure tougher action against those involved in drug-related offences.

“If there is any requirement to amend or strengthen the law to deal with the drug menace more effectively, the government will not hesitate to do so,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

Urging the police not to give leeway to the powerful and anti-social elements, he urged the police to protect the weak, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and religious minorities as a collective responsibility.

Low conviction

Mr. Siddaramaiah also pointed out that Karnataka continues to record a low conviction rate in criminal cases. In cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the conviction rate has improved from around 3% last year to 12% this year, but further improvement is needed, he said.

Reacting to the issue of IPL matches at M. Chinnaswamy stadium, the Chief Minister said a task force led by the Home Minister had been constituted, which has laid down both short-term and long-term recommendations. He said permission for matches would be granted only after the management complies with these guidelines.

He said many crimes could be prevented through better vigilance and preparedness, including the stampede case at the stadium. Incidents such as ATM robberies and the banner-related violence in Ballari too could have been avoided with proper precautionary measures, he added

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the increasing incidence of cybercrime and said effective use of modern technology is essential to tackle the problem.

Link to development

Mr. Siddaramaiah said law and order and development are closely linked. “Only when law and order is strong will investments increase and development take place,” he said.