The Congress government in the State has come under criticism for the death of two men and communal violence in Mangaluru and other parts of coastal Karnataka. In a damage-control mode ahead of the Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is keen on strengthening the State Intelligence, which, according to him, failed to contain the violence in Mangaluru and surrounding areas.
To strengthen the State Intelligence, the government is recruiting police personnel exclusively for the job. Recruits will be given specialised training and there will no inter-departmental transfers.
“I will not say that the police are 100% right and intelligence has been great. There are lapses, but they have been identified and will be rectified effectively,” said Mr. Siddaramaiah while addressing the media at the senior police officers’ annual conference here on Wednesday.
Mr. Siddaramaiah has given directions to police officers to take strict action against fundamentalist forces who create problems in society. “These forces and individuals should be identified and kept on a close watch. Strict action should be taken against them if they are found involved in inciting communal divide and hatred in any form.” he said.
Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts have seen a series of communal incidents over the last few months, often fuelled by rumours spread on social media.
Police officers have been asked to take suo motu action against those who spread hatred and rumours on social media. Referring to the upcoming Assembly elections, Mr. Siddaramaiah asked police officers to ensure law and order.
“The crime rate in 2017 in the State had shown a 1% decline. Police officials should work hard to reduce the crime rate. I have instructed them to to ensure law and order is maintained and special emphasis should be given to provide security cover to women and children,” he said.
Gauri murder probe
Though the Special Investigation Team set up to probe into the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh in September 2017 has not been forthcoming with the progress of the investigation, Mr. Siddaramaiah said there has been progress, but its details cannot be shared.
