Home Minister reviews policing, traffic, cybercrime and narcotics control measures

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday visited the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s Office and held a comprehensive review meeting with senior police officials on key issues, including cybercrime, women’s safety, narcotics control, traffic management and law and order.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Mr. Kharge said the Home Department is contemplating the launch of a Bengaluru Urban Mobility Plan involving stakeholders such as the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), BMRCL, Transport Department, Traffic Police and other civic agencies to formulate coordinated strategies for decongesting the city’s traffic.

“The objective is to bring all agencies on a common platform and chalk out a long-term plan to address Bengaluru’s growing mobility challenges,” he said.

On law and order, the Minister stressed the need for stricter monitoring of habitual offenders and said the government has set up Anti-Rowdy Squads in every police station level to effectively curb criminal activities and deter lawbreakers.

Mr. Kharge also expressed concern over reports of some police personnel maintaining close associations with rowdy elements.

“There have been instances where police officials were found attending parties and social gatherings with rowdy elements.

Such matters must be viewed seriously and appropriate action will be initiated wherever necessary,” he said.

Highlighting Bengaluru’s status as the country’s fourth-largest technology hub, Mr. Kharge said cybercrime poses a major challenge and that a comprehensive strategy to tackle online fraud and cyber offences was discussed during the meeting.

“Since the departments of e-Governance, IT-BT and Home are under my charge, it becomes easier to formulate integrated policies to address cybercrime, narcotics-related offences, traffic issues and overall law and order concerns,” he said.

The Minister said detailed discussions were also held on narcotics trafficking. He noted that drugs are often smuggled through neighbouring states such as Maharashtra, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh using varied routes and methods.

“Psychotropic substances are easier to transport and conceal compared to conventional bulk narcotics. We reviewed the different smuggling patterns and discussed measures to strengthen enforcement and improve detection capabilities,” he said.

As part of efforts to curb drug trafficking, the Home Department is planning to increase the number of drug detection and testing kits available to enforcement agencies.

Mr. Kharge further said the government has taken seriously complaints regarding delays in the registration of FIRs and filing of charge sheets.

“The issue has been viewed seriously, and necessary corrective measures will be taken to ensure timely investigation and filing of chargesheets,” he said.