Karnataka Chief Minister Demands Police Overhaul After Poor Conviction Ranking
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced sharp criticism on Saturday regarding Karnataka's disappointing position in national crime statistics. The state currently ranks 22nd in India for conviction rates, a fact that deeply troubles the state's leadership.
Accountability Crisis Eroding Public Trust
Siddaramaiah warned that this poor performance, combined with insufficient accountability mechanisms, is rapidly diminishing public confidence in law enforcement agencies. He made these remarks while chairing a high-level conference with senior police officers at the Director General and Inspector General of Police office in Bengaluru.
The Chief Minister presented disturbing data from the National Crime Records Bureau's latest Crime in India report. The 2023 edition clearly highlights Karnataka's weak conviction performance compared to other states.
Police Personnel Facing Criminal Charges
Siddaramaiah took particular note of eighty-eight cases where police personnel themselves faced criminal charges. He described this situation as "an unforgivable crime" and used a powerful agricultural metaphor to illustrate his point.
"This is like the fence eating the crop," the Chief Minister stated emphatically. He explained that such incidents not only damage government credibility but also severely tarnish the police force's public image.
He issued direct instructions to senior officers to implement much closer supervision over sub-inspectors, inspectors, and deputy superintendents of police throughout the state.
Changing Crime Patterns Across Karnataka
While discussing crime trends, Siddaramaiah observed some positive developments alongside concerning new challenges. Traditional crimes including theft, robbery, burglary, and murder have shown a decline across Karnataka.
However, new-age criminal activities present a growing threat. Cybercrime and drug-related offences are increasing at an alarming rate according to police data.
"These emerging crimes pose a serious danger to our younger generation," the Chief Minister warned. He reaffirmed the state government's strong commitment to transforming Karnataka into a drug-free state through determined enforcement efforts.
Questioning Police Performance on Drug Detection
Siddaramaiah raised pointed questions about the state police's effectiveness in combating drug networks. He referenced a recent incident where Maharashtra police successfully busted a drug operation functioning within Bengaluru.
"If police from a neighbouring state can come here and expose drug peddling activities, why can't our own police achieve similar results?" he asked the assembled senior officers.
The Chief Minister confirmed that disciplinary action has already been initiated against officers found responsible for these investigative lapses.
Zero Tolerance Approach to Drug Trafficking
Siddaramaiah called for an uncompromising stance against drug trafficking across Karnataka. He emphasized that police must aggressively track both drug addicts and peddlers to dismantle larger criminal syndicates operating in the state.
"Interrogating suppliers systematically will lead us to producers and distributors," he explained to police leadership. He instructed that such investigative operations should be intensified at every police station throughout Karnataka.
The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking. He suggested that such individuals should be deported without hesitation, noting that those released on bail frequently return to the same criminal activities.
Siddaramaiah concluded with a message of cautious optimism. "With diligent and effective policing, we can eliminate drugs and safeguard our youth," he stated, while making clear that immediate corrective measures are urgently required to restore public trust in Karnataka's law enforcement system.
