From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, May 23: In the new government's first interaction with senior police officials in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday asked them to prioritize tackling traffic congestion and cybercrime, as well as maintaining peace and harmony in the state.

Siddaramaiah, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and his cabinet colleagues, emphasized the importance of police officers in upholding peace and harmony in society. He warned that the government would hold them responsible for any clashes, stating, "People have elected us with great expectations. We need to live up to their expectations and solve their problems." He urged the police to deal firmly with miscreants and treat the public with respect to earn their respect.

The chief minister advised conducting special drives to maintain regular patrols in all districts, especially at night. He also cautioned the police officers to regularly visit the police stations in their jurisdictions and take stern measures to prevent unlawful activities within their precincts. Siddaramaiah stressed the government's commitment to support officers doing good work while punishing those who fail in their duties. He firmly stated, "Dereliction of duty shall never be tolerated."

'No to saffronisation of police'

In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister spoke candidly and issued a clear warning to police officers that the government would not allow the saffronisation of the police force. He cited incidents in Mangaluru, Vijayapura, and Bagalkot, where police officers were seen wearing saffron shawls and clothes while on duty. Shivakumar stated, "This kind of attitude and warped political loyalties will not be tolerated." He expressed his disappointment with the deteriorating discipline and code of conduct, highlighting the scandal involving an IPS officer swallowing OMR sheets (in the PSI scam). Shivakumar also criticized the harassment of Cabinet minister Priyank Kharge, who had exposed irregularities in the recruitment of police sub-inspectors. He firmly stated that such behavior towards Congress party workers would not be tolerated and declared the government's intention to initiate reforms, starting with the police force.

"We don't believe in vendetta or filing false cases. But those breaking the law or inciting violence must be put down with a heavy hand," Shivakumar concluded.