Has Karnataka CM Ever Witnessed Such a Delayed Response?

Bengaluru, June 27 (NationPress) In light of the tragic stampede on June 4 that resulted in 11 fatalities, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed on Friday that he has never witnessed such a significant delay in response to a devastating incident throughout his political tenure.

This remark was made during a police department progress review meeting at the office of the Director General and Inspector General of Police, attended by senior police officials.

"Since becoming an MLA in 1983 and serving as Chief Minister, I have never encountered such a slow reaction to a stampede as the one we faced recently in Bengaluru," he stated.

"What is the function of the Intelligence Department if it cannot deliver timely and thorough information? This failure has led to the loss of 11 lives," Siddaramaiah questioned.

He continued, "I was misinformed when I inquired at 5:45 p.m., only to be told that just one casualty had occurred. By that point, 11 individuals had already lost their lives. Had I received accurate information from senior officials promptly, I could have directed the cancellation of the RCB's celebration event at Chhinaswamy Stadium."

"I am saddened by the necessity to suspend senior officials, but isn't this a blatant failure on their part?" he posited.

In the aftermath of the stampede, the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, three senior IPS officers, and two senior policemen faced suspension due to negligence.

Discussing ongoing investigations, the Chief Minister acknowledged that while the overall crime rate has decreased, the quality of police investigations has regressed and requires enhancement.

Referring to a recent dacoity case in Bidar, he pointed out that even though the suspect's identity was known, the individual remained at large for five months.

"While improvements in isolated investigations are noticeable, it is clear that overall investigative standards have declined," Siddaramaiah remarked.

He further criticized the failure to submit charge sheets in criminal cases efficiently and punctually, labeling this as a severe issue that must not be overlooked.

Siddaramaiah raised concerns about the lack of suo motu action against individuals delivering hate speeches that disrupt societal peace.

"If action is not taken, we will be forced to intervene against you," he warned officials firmly.

He questioned the prevalence of communal clashes and murders in Mangaluru district compared to other regions.

The Chief Minister instructed that all individuals inciting unrest in Mangaluru must be identified and face stringent legal repercussions, regardless of their identity.

"We are not here to merely criticize the system and remain idle. Police stations should be community-friendly while instilling a sense of fear of the law in those with criminal intent," he emphasized.

Additionally, he announced that the recruitment process to fill police department vacancies would commence in the next two months.

"I have addressed most of the department's requests and allocated sufficient funds. I expect you to maintain law and order and societal peace. It is the police's duty to ensure justice for everyone, regardless of power or status. The law applies equally to all," he asserted.

"We have adopted democracy and the Constitution. We are committed to protecting the welfare of society and delivering justice for all. You must act in alignment with this commitment," he urged.

"The efficiency of the police is vital for maintaining social harmony. In this democratic Republic, addressing the grievances of the people is a police responsibility," he concluded.

Present at the meeting were Home Minister G. Parameshwara, the Chief Minister's political secretary Naseer Ahmad, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretary Anjum Parvez, Additional Chief Secretary to the Home Department Gaurav Gupta, and Director General of Police A.M. Prasad.