‘Embarrassing’: Siddaramaiah flags concern over outside police forces cracking drug cases in state

“If there is a need to amend or strengthen the law to deal with the drug menace more effectively, the government will not hesitate to do so,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that the government is prepared to introduce a new law in the forthcoming Assembly session to ensure stricter action against those involved in drug-related offences.

‘No one should be spared’

Siddaramaiah reiterated that the Constitution guarantees equal opportunity and protection to every citizen and that the law must apply equally to all, irrespective of power or position. “No one should be spared for wrongdoing. The powerful and anti-social elements must not be given any leeway under any circumstances,” he said.

He also stressed that protecting the weak, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes and religious minorities, is a collective responsibility, and that ensuring equal justice for all is a fundamental duty of the police.

Emphasising grassroots governance, Siddaramaiah said people can live peacefully in a taluk if tahsildars and police inspectors perform their duties sincerely. Similarly, effective functioning of the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and chief executive officer ensures peace at the district level, he added.

However, he noted that lapses by some officers in certain police stations have caused difficulties for the public.

‘Serious crimes declined over the past year’

Siddaramaiah said serious crimes such as murder, extortion, dacoity and robbery have declined over the past year. However, he expressed concern over the rise in cybercrime and drug-related offences and called for strict and sustained action to curb them.

He also pointed out that Karnataka continues to record a low conviction rate in criminal cases, underscoring the critical role of the police in ensuring punishment for offenders. In cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the conviction rate has improved from around 3 per cent last year to 12 per cent this year, but further improvement is needed, he said.

While stating that crime cannot be eliminated entirely, Siddaramaiah said it can certainly be reduced through vigilance and preparedness. He termed it “shameful” that police personnel themselves were involved in 88 criminal cases in the past year.

Referring to incidents such as ATM robberies, the banner-related violence in Ballari, and the stampede at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, he said several such incidents could have been prevented with better anticipation, crowd management, and precautionary measures.

On security arrangements for IPL matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Siddaramaiah said a task force headed by the home minister has made short-term and long-term recommendations, and that permission for matches would be granted only after the management complies with the prescribed guidelines.

Warning that irregularities in prisons and any failure in controlling drug networks would not be tolerated, Siddaramaiah said accountability would be enforced strictly. He also stressed the need for effective use of modern technology to tackle the growing incidence of cybercrime.

Lastly, the chief minister emphasised that law and order and development are closely linked. “Strong law and order is essential for boosting investment and achieving development,” he said, stressing that the government remains committed to ensuring protection and justice for every citizen.