Bengaluru, Nov 15 Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the government was setting up a separate anti rowdy squad under the direct control of the police commissionerate to deal with rowdy elements, criminal activities and drug-related offences in Bengaluru.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring that rowdy elements and those involved in drug-related activities were dealt with effectively, without allowing any scope for their alleged nexus with local police personnel.
“The rowdy squad will be kept completely outside the control of local police stations and placed under the complete control of the commissionerate. A dedicated team will handle rowdy elements, criminal activities and drug-related issues in Bengaluru. They will operate directly and take action themselves,” Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters, he said that some rowdy elements maintained links with local police personnel and made adjustments with them, including passing on tips and other information.
“We have information about such activities and adjustments. We will not allow any such thing. There should not be even a single untoward incident involving rowdy elements in Bengaluru. That is why we are setting up a separate rowdy squad,” he added.
Regarding the growing drug menace, the CM said the government has drawn up a plan to make the state drug-free.
“We already have a plan to make Karnataka drug-free. We have seized a large quantity of drugs so far. We also have several leads for further action, and our police officers are conducting a major investigation,” he said.
Earlier speaking at an event in the city, Shivakumar said that maintaining law and order in Bengaluru is a top priority.
Special measures are underway to crack down on crime, rowdyism, and the drug menace, he said.
“Our goal is to foster an environment where citizens can walk the streets safely and with dignity even at midnight or 2 AM. To achieve this, the Home Department has been directed to set up a dedicated wing.”
Addressing the city’s traffic woes, the CM said, with the number of vehicles in Bengaluru touching 1.40 crore, traffic congestion has become a massive challenge.
“Narrow roads, surging vehicle numbers, and legal hurdles in property acquisition make road widening difficult. If a single building demolition case lands in court, it can drag on for years. Therefore, the government is exploring practical alternatives to resolve the city’s infrastructure bottlenecks,” he said at the event, according to a statement by his office.
Stating that to ensure the safety of residents, there is a pressing need to collect household-level data across the city, Shivakumar said, “It has also come to our notice that Bengaluru’s electoral roll has shrunk from 51 lakh to 45 lakh voters. Given this, instructions will be issued to ensure the police department maintains accurate records of who resides where in the city.”
He further said the government has taken note of vehicle issues allegedly caused by ethanol blending.
“Opposition parties have failed to raise their voices regarding consumer grievances like engine damage and reduced mileage. The Central government has not been people-friendly when it comes to hiking petrol and diesel prices. If the Centre reduces its taxes, the state government will also take steps to lower fuel prices,” he added.
Bengaluru must remain a city where people of all faiths and communities live in peace, the CM said, adding, his government is committed to providing equal constitutional protection to everyone– Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, and all other communities.
“We will safeguard both the Kannada ethos and the livelihoods of all residents. Peace and harmony will be maintained without giving any room for communal conflict,” he asserted.
(PTI News)
