Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and district in-charge Priyank Kharge has instructed senior police officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal activities and enforce the law strictly.
Chairing a meeting of senior police officials at the office of the Police Commissioner here on Tuesday, Mr. Kharge directed the police to intensify crackdown on online scams, betting, matka, gambling, ganja and narcotics-related offences.
He referred to reports of unlawful activities inside Kalaburagi Central Prison and asked Commissioner of Police Sharanappa Dage and Superintendent of Police Srinivasalu Addoor to visit the facility and investigate the matter thoroughly.
Highlighting the gap between law enforcement and public access, especially in rural areas, Mr. Kharge emphasised the need for courteous conduct by police personnel, particularly when dealing with citizens visiting police stations for the first time.
He also urged officials to strictly follow the Supreme Court directives in handling cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (PoCSO) Act.
Raising concern over police interference in civil matters, Mr. Kharge said, “There are repeated complaints that police officers are acting like middlemen in civil disputes. The police must not overstep their mandate in such cases.”
He also warned of legal action against those spreading misinformation about government programmes on social media.
The Minister commended the police for solving high-profile cases, including a robbery at a jewellery store and an illegal recruitment racket, and stressed that the reputation of the district depended on the efficiency of its police force.
Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, who also addressed the meeting, urged the police to increase night patrolling in rural areas and strengthen intelligence gathering to maintain law and order.
He flagged public complaints that some are extorting money from vehicle users on the roadside and directed the police to take appropriate action.
Dr. Patil also expressed concern over harassment by microfinance agents, particularly in rural areas. “There are disturbing reports of agents lending at exorbitant interest rates and harassing families of students. Strict action must be taken in such cases,” he said.
Senior legislator M.Y. Patil called for improved parking facilities around the Ganagapura Dattatreya temple, while MLA Allamprabhu Patil urged the police to address traffic congestion near SB College and the central bus stand.
During the meeting, Mr. Dage and Mr. Addoor briefed the Ministers about crime control measures and public safety initiatives.
Officials from the department also presented a proposal for the installation of new traffic lights at important junctions in the city, including Rashtrapati Chowk, Vallabhbhai Chowk, Sedam Circle and Humnabad Ring Road Junction.
Among those present were legislators Avinash Jadhav and Jagadev Guttedar, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Shantanu Sinha, Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanika Sikarwar and senior police officers.
Published – July 30, 2025 06:51 pm IST
