Bengaluru, Jan 18 (NationPress) In response to the alarming rise in bank heists, shootouts, and other grave offenses in the state, the Karnataka BJP asserted on Saturday that the region has transformed into a sanctuary for robbers, while also condemning the worsening law and order situation, claiming there is no authority to safeguard the populace.

Karnataka has evolved into a hub for robbery, leaving residents in perpetual fear. There is no one available to ensure the safety of the community,” stated the Karnataka Leader of the Opposition during a press briefing at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

He highlighted several recent occurrences, such as the robbery and murder of an ATM vehicle employee in Bidar and the dramatic theft of ₹15 crore from a bank in Mangaluru.

“No one fears the police in Karnataka. These occurrences illustrate how little influence Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has over the police force and the severe decline in law and order within the state,” he remarked.

He further alleged that criminals from neighboring states are infiltrating Karnataka, committing offenses, and escaping via buses and trains.

“Citizens are left to fend for themselves. While police lack firearms, robbers are equipped with advanced weaponry,” he emphasized.

Ashoka also criticized the government for failing to implement stringent measures against issues like love jihad, communal strife, and unlawful cattle slaughter.

“The Police Department is entangled in a transfer racket, and officers are losing morale. Despite this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has yet to hold a meeting with the Home Department. The government is overly absorbed in internal political disputes between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, neglecting governance,” he asserted.

He claimed that Karnataka is becoming akin to West Bengal, where everyone lives in constant trepidation. “This discourages investors,” he noted.

Ashoka called for a white paper on the government’s financial dealings. “They should publish a white paper detailing fund allocations during the tenure of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s BJP government compared to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s administration. Additionally, the Congress government ought to reveal loans acquired during the BJP's rule compared to 60 years of Congress governance,” he stated.

When questioned about the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, Ashoka alleged there is a calculated effort to evade investigation.

“The Lokayukta Police appear disinterested in pursuing the investigation and seem ready to issue a clean chit. While the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated funds belonging to middlemen, the Lokayukta Police have taken no action. Consequently, we are demanding a CBI inquiry,” he revealed.

Ashoka also criticized the condition of Bengaluru's roads and government healthcare facilities.

“Roads are riddled with potholes, and there is no assurance of safety for new mothers in government hospitals. Yet, the government continues to raise prices. Instead of frequent increments, they should implement a single substantial price increase,” he concluded.