Bengaluru, Jan 17 (NationPress) Commenting on the alarming trend of police officers engaging in criminal activities, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described it as an “unpardonable offence” when the fence itself rises to graze the field.

He made these remarks to reporters following the inauguration of the annual police officers' conference.

“The police department operates effectively in certain locations, while in others, it falls short. Approximately 88 instances have surfaced where police personnel are implicated. This situation is akin to the fence grazing the field, which is utterly unacceptable. These actions tarnish the reputation of the police force and the state government,” he stated.

The Chief Minister noted that crime rates in the state have been on a downward trend since 2003. He highlighted that the Kavitala police station in Raichur district ranks third among the top police stations nationwide.

He emphasized that no criminal activity can occur without the awareness of Police Sub-Inspectors, Assistant Superintendents of Police, Deputy Superintendents of Police, and Assistant Commissioners of Police.

Clear directives have been issued for police to remain vigilant. Special measures should be taken to protect the vulnerable, and police must not serve as instruments for the powerful, he asserted.

While incidents of theft, extortion, robbery, and murder are declining, the issues of cybercrime and drug-related offenses persist. Youth are being harmed by this threat, and the government is committed to making Karnataka a drug-free state.

“With diligent and effective policing, we can achieve a drug-free state and safeguard our youth,” he affirmed.

To combat drug issues, interrogating drug dealers or users may help unveil the drug trafficking network. Identifying suppliers can lead to the discovery of producers and distributors, CM Siddaramaiah explained.

Instructions have been given to all police stations to commence this work immediately. If foreign nationals are released on bail and permitted to stay, there is a significant risk they may revert to criminal activity.

Hence, foreigners involved in drug-related crimes must be repatriated without leniency, he stated.

Senior officials have been tasked with closely monitoring Police Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and Deputy Superintendents of Police at various stations to prevent their involvement in criminal activities.

“If the Maharashtra police can come to Bengaluru and uncover drug operations, why can’t our state police do the same?” the Chief Minister challenged.

Due to the state police's failure to detect drug offenses, directives have been issued to take action against the responsible personnel, he added.

To effectively address cybercrime and drug-related crimes, laws need to be tightened. New regulations or amendments may be necessary in the near future, he remarked.

When asked about the IPL, the Chief Minister mentioned that a committee led by Justice D. Michael Cunha has been established, along with a sub-committee chaired by the Home Minister to implement its recommendations.

Immediate action should be taken on short-term recommendations, while the remaining should be executed in the long run. These recommendations must be enforced, he insisted.

In response to inquiries regarding the violent incident in Ballari, the Chief Minister revealed that the case has been referred to the special wing CID. Given that Ballari is a sensitive area and the district Superintendent of Police was absent, he has been suspended.

Consequences will be imposed on those found guilty after the investigation report is finalized, he stated.

Regarding the incident involving Congress leader Rajeev Gowda allegedly mistreating the woman Municipal Commissioner of Sidlaghatta, the Chief Minister indicated that Gowda is currently evading arrest and will be apprehended. Instructions have been given to proceed with legal action against him.

“No one is above the law, regardless of their political affiliation,” he concluded.