Home Minister Priyank Kharge Reviews Bengaluru Policing; Traffic Congestion, Cyber Crime and Drug-Free City Drive in Focus
Bengaluru, June 10: Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday visited the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s Office and held an extensive review meeting with senior police officials to assess law and order, cybercrime prevention, women’s safety, traffic management and anti-drug enforcement measures across the city.
The meeting, attended by senior police officers and departmental officials, focused on strengthening policing mechanisms and addressing some of Bengaluru’s most pressing urban challenges, including traffic congestion, cyber fraud and the growing menace of narcotics.
Bengaluru Urban Mobility Mission to Tackle Traffic Congestion
Recognising traffic congestion as one of Bengaluru’s biggest civic challenges, the Home Minister said the issue cannot be solved merely through infrastructure expansion and road widening projects. Instead, systemic deficiencies in urban mobility and traffic management must be addressed through a coordinated strategy.
To achieve this, the government plans to establish a dedicated Bengaluru Urban Mobility Mission involving the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and private sector stakeholders.
Officials said a detailed blueprint outlining the mission’s objectives, implementation framework and stakeholder responsibilities will be released within the next two to three days.
The initiative is expected to focus on improving traffic flow, enhancing public transport integration, leveraging technology-driven traffic management solutions and reducing travel time across the city.
Strict Action Against Rowdyism
The Home Minister directed police officials to intensify action against rowdy elements and organised criminal activities in Bengaluru.
He stated that all police stations have already been instructed to establish dedicated Anti-Rowdy Squads to monitor and curb the activities of habitual offenders and criminal gangs.
Priyank Kharge also issued a stern warning against inappropriate interactions between police personnel and known rowdy elements. Police officers, particularly at the field level, have been directed not to attend birthday celebrations of rowdies, participate in social gatherings with them, dine with them or take selfies alongside them.
Any violation of these instructions will invite strict disciplinary action, he said.
Public-Private Partnership to Combat Cyber Crime
With Bengaluru emerging as the world’s fourth-largest technology cluster, the city has also witnessed a significant rise in cybercrime cases ranging from financial fraud and phishing attacks to digital identity theft.
To strengthen cybercrime prevention and investigation capabilities, the Home Department plans to bring together the Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance departments under a unified policy framework.
The minister announced that a meeting with leading private technology companies will be convened next week to explore advanced technological solutions and introduce stronger digital safety mechanisms and safeguards.
Officials said the proposed collaboration will help law enforcement agencies adopt cutting-edge tools for cyber threat detection, digital forensics and online fraud prevention.
Drug-Free Bengaluru Campaign Intensified
Declaring a renewed crackdown on narcotics networks, Priyank Kharge said the Home Department has launched an aggressive campaign aimed at making Bengaluru a drug-free city.
Special attention will be given to detecting psychotropic substances and narcotic tablets being trafficked into Karnataka through neighbouring states including Kerala, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
To strengthen surveillance and enforcement, additional testing kits will be deployed at border checkpoints and key transit locations.
The minister also directed officials to accelerate action against foreign nationals found residing illegally in the city. Discussions will be initiated with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to expedite deportation procedures wherever required.
A comprehensive anti-drug strategy based on global best practices will be prepared within the next two weeks, providing a roadmap for long-term enforcement and prevention measures.
Crackdown on Delays in Filing Charge Sheets
Responding to public complaints regarding delays in criminal investigations, the Home Minister directed officials to ensure timely filing of charge sheets in criminal cases.
He warned that officers who deliberately delay investigations, postpone charge sheet submissions or show bias during prosecution proceedings will face strict action.
The government is committed to eliminating procedural deficiencies that affect the delivery of justice and ensuring greater accountability within the criminal justice system, he said.
Focus on Safer and More Efficient Policing
The review meeting highlighted the Karnataka Government’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement through technology, improved coordination and stricter accountability measures.
Officials said the initiatives discussed during the meeting are aimed at improving public safety, enhancing citizen confidence in policing and ensuring that Bengaluru remains a secure and globally competitive city.
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