10 hours ago
4
“The government earns a good name through the efficiency of the police department. The India Justice Report, which ranks Karnataka Police as number one, has enhanced the dignity of the State,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Anti-Drug Task Force and releasing the “Sanmitra Action Plan” handbook during the police department’s programme at the Vidhana Soudha Banquet Hall on Tuesday (October 28, 2025), where new peak caps were distributed to police personnel.
The CM said that a drug-free Karnataka was his goal and asked the people to join him and make it their goal, too, to help the police fight the menace.
“Our youth, students, and young people should not fall victim to narcotics. The police department must take a firm stand against this and eradicate the menace,” he said.
Karnataka governmenti has replaced the British-era slouch hat for head constables and constables with navy blue peaked caps. There was a long-standing proposal to change the design as the current hats were causing discomfort while on duty, especially during summer | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Referring to the law and order situation in the State, Mr. Siddaraimah said “Mangaluru, which is a highly communally-sensitive area, is now under control because of our own officers.”
“In Dakshina Kannada district, communal clashes and unethical policing had increased. The previous officers failed to maintain control. I issued orders replacing two officers. Now, the district is under control. This achievement too was made by our own officers and staff. They are not from another planet — they are your own, our own people. So, if you are determined, everything is possible. Prove it with your performance,” he said.
Towards a ‘Drug-Free Karnataka’
“In the same way, it is possible for you to curb the drug menace across the entire state. If you can achieve this, the dignity of Karnataka Police will rise to international standards,” he said.
CM Siddaramaiah and DCM D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the Anti-Drug Task Force and releasing the “Sanmitra Action Plan” handbook during the police department’s programme | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
He also reprimanded the department. “Some police personnel are involved with real estate dealers and drug networks. You have the power to nip hooliganism in the bud. The fear of the police in the criminal world has decreased. If you ask yourselves why, you will know the answer.”
“You know who sells and brings drugs, from where the drugs come, and who the agents in this network are. Let the State become a ‘Drug-Free Karnataka’ as soon as possible. Make it happen and prove it,” he added.
“The new peak cap model released today was selected by me personally. We have replaced it with slouch caps that remained unchanged for nearly 70 years since 1956. A uniform cap has been provided for officers and staff, and I hope it boosts your confidence,” he said. “It’s not just the cap that should change; your efficiency should also change,” he added.
English (US) ·