Karnataka Home Minister Enforces Strict Actions Against Weapon Display and Wheeling

Bengaluru, March 6 (NationPress) In light of the rising concerns regarding the incidents of flashing of weapons and wheeling that jeopardize public safety and disrupt the law and order framework in the state, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara declared on Thursday that the Police Department must not be passive, nor can society.

“Strict measures are being enforced,” he affirmed.

His remarks came during the Question Hour in the Legislative Council, prompted by JD (S) MLC S.L. Bhoje Gowda, who raised multiple inquiries regarding the police's operations and the law and order situation.

Parameshwara revealed that a total of 136 wheeling incidents have been documented statewide, with legal action initiated against 128 individuals. In 2024, 266 cases were recorded, resulting in the arrest of 179 individuals. Up to now in 2025, 47 cases have been filed, leading to the apprehension of 30 suspects.

Firm legal actions have been executed against those engaged in criminal acts involving lethal weapons. In 2023, 68 cases were logged, resulting in the arrest of 147 suspects. The following year, 66 cases led to the capture of 187 individuals. Up to February 2025, 26 cases have been reported, with 86 offenders arrested. Immediate legal actions are taken upon the emergence of such incidents to guarantee strict penalties, Parameshwara emphasized.

In Bengaluru, 242 wheeling cases were reported in 2023, with 207 arrests made out of 264 accused. The following year, 532 cases were logged, leading to 479 arrests. As of now in 2025, 114 cases have been recorded, and 102 individuals have been detained, he stated.

Hoysala vehicles and ASIs are now armed with revolvers. A 24-hour patrol system is operational, particularly concentrated in Bengaluru city, he noted.

“During my previous term as Home Minister, I dispatched a team of police officials to London to observe how the London Metropolitan Police address emergencies. That system has been successfully integrated into Bengaluru. A structured response mechanism has been established to ensure police react swiftly to incidents across various city locales. Regardless of the situation, police will respond within nine minutes. This service is available 24/7,” Parameshwara highlighted.

For enhancing women's safety, the Pink Hoysala initiative is operational. Bengaluru city remains tranquil, and decisive actions have been taken without hesitation whenever incidents arise, he assured.

The Goonda Act has been enforced against habitual offenders involved in continuous criminal activities. In 2022, 44 cases were logged under this law, followed by 53 in 2023, 34 in 2024, and 8 thus far in 2025, he mentioned.

In Bengaluru, 7,000 CCTV cameras have been deployed at 1,640 locations, including high-resolution cameras equipped with AI technology. Additionally, police officers have been provided with body-worn cameras. The latest technologies are being leveraged not just in Bengaluru but across the state's police force. Karnataka police are effectively utilizing technology in their operations, he stated.

Opposition leaders have made unfounded accusations that the law and order situation has worsened. However, this is not the case. In the state, 1,315 murder cases were reported in 2020, 1,340 in 2021, 1,346 in 2022, 1,294 in 2023, and 1,208 in 2024. Up to January 2025, 100 cases have been reported. The incidence of murder cases has decreased, and the police are consistently working to suppress criminal activities, Parameshwara remarked.

Recently, there has been a rise in cybercrime incidents. The state police department is intensifying its focus on tackling cybercrimes. A specialized cybercrime unit has been formed, and a senior officer of DG rank has been appointed to lead it. Cybercriminals are pilfering crores of rupees daily from bank accounts and unlawfully acquiring personal information. Efforts are being escalated to combat cybercrimes, Parameshwara concluded.