Police stations must be people-friendly, says Karnataka Home Minister Dr. Parameshwara

Team Udayavani, Dec 1, 2024, 10:26 AM IST

Mangaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara urged police personnel to adopt a more people-friendly approach and abandon the mindset of treating complainants like criminals.

Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of new police residential quarters at Mangaluru city and Bellare and the new Subrahmanya and Panemangalore police stations, the minister emphasized fair treatment. “Don’t spare wrongdoers, but treat complainants respectfully,” he advised. He also announced the reintroduction of a Rs 1 lakh fund to assist police stations in serving the public.

“Smart Policing” on the Rise

Dr. Parameshwara noted that Karnataka boasts one of the country’s best police systems. “Our police force has adapted to modern technology, using artificial intelligence to track criminals. Infrastructure upgrades will continue to support their work,” he added.

Curbing Communal Forces

The minister stressed the need to prevent the growth of communal forces in Dakshina Kannada. “The Anti-Communal Wing has brought peace to the district, reducing disturbances by 50%. Mangaluru should grow on par with Mumbai,” he stated. He also suggested establishing a special Gold and Diamond Economic Zone in the district, as outlined in earlier plans.

Action Against Drugs

The minister announced stringent measures to combat the drug menace, urging police to visit schools and colleges regularly to raise awareness. “If drug trade occurs in any jurisdiction, the respective officials will be held accountable,” he warned. Over the past year, Rs 250 crore worth of drugs have been seized and destroyed, with strict laws like the Goonda Act being applied to peddlers.

Support for Police Personnel

Dr. Parameshwara acknowledged the harsh conditions under which police personnel work, including exposure to extreme weather. He highlighted the government’s efforts to improve housing, with 1,600 homes built this year and plans for an additional Rs 500–1,000 crore in funding. A proposal for Rs 5,000 crore has also been submitted to the central government for further housing development.

Officials Present

The event was attended by MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, MLC Ivan D’Souza, MP K. Brijesh Chowta, Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik, Congress District President Harish Kumar, DIG Amit Singh, SP Yatish N., and other senior officers. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal delivered the welcome address, while Additional SP Rajendra proposed a vote of thanks.