Govt. will not tolerate police colluding with drug mafia or other illegal activities: Parameshwara

Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday said the State government will no longer tolerate police officials colluding with the drug mafia or other illegal activities. He warned that the era of issuing mere warnings is over and assured that strict action will follow against those found guilty.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting with senior officials, Dr. Parameshwara said that 11 police personnel, including an inspector, have been suspended for alleged links with drug trafficking. “Immediate departmental inquiries have been ordered, and reports must be submitted to the government. Depending on the inquiry findings, punishments ranging from dismissal to other disciplinary measures will be considered,” he said.

He further noted that the jurisdictional police officials would be held accountable if drug trafficking occurred in their areas. “So far, we have been issuing warnings. Now I have asked senior officers to report how many notices were issued and how many officials were recommended for action. Going forward, no warnings will be given, only firm action,” he stressed.

Dr. Parameshwara said that investigations into cases of rowdyism, atrocities against women, and bank robberies were discussed. “Cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were also examined. Compared to the last three years, the conviction rate is only 10%, which was taken up with officials,” he said.

On the police recruitment, Dr. Parameshwara said the process must be expedited. Recruitment for 545 PSI posts has already been completed, while orders have been issued for 398 out of 402 new PSI posts. Across the State, 10,000 to 15,000 constable posts remain vacant, in addition to vacancies in the Karnataka State Reserve Police, civil police, and the armed reserve. “I have given instructions on how recruitment should proceed, and detailed discussions have been held,” he said.

Referring to a separate case, he said an Anekal inspector had claimed to have given ₹80 lakh to an MLA. “A report will be submitted within two days. If allegations are made against an MLA, the question arises why no action has been taken so far. Once the report is received, action will be taken immediately,” Dr. Parameshwara said.