‘You Failed on the Ground’: Siddaramaiah’s Stern Warning to Police Over Ballari Clash, Drugs Menace
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday came down heavily on the state police machinery, expressing strong displeasure over lapses in handling sensitive law-and-order situations, including the recent Ballari banner violence and the rising drug menace in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the DGP’s office, the Chief Minister addressed senior police officials from across the state, including SPs, DIGs, IGs, ADGPs, in the presence of the Home Minister. The meeting focused on recent incidents that have raised serious concerns over policing efficiency and accountability.
Ballari Banner Clash: “Failure at Senior Level”
Referring specifically to the Ballari incident, Siddaramaiah expressed anger over the inability of police officers to control a situation that escalated into violence.
“You were given authority to control such situations. Sitting in offices and issuing instructions is not enough. Senior officers should have rushed to the spot,” the Chief Minister reportedly told officials.
Also Read: Barely a Day in Office: Ballari SP Suspended After Congress Worker’s Death in Valmiki Statue Clash
He bluntly stated that both the SP and IG concerned had failed, adding that the sensitivity of the Ballari region demanded proactive ground-level intervention. The CM questioned why strict action was not taken immediately and hinted that disciplinary measures were unavoidable when officers failed to act responsibly.
Also Read: IG Vartika Katiyar Transferred Following Ballari Banner Clash; P.S. Harsha Appointed as New IG
Drug Menace: Maharashtra Police Raids ‘Embarrassing’
The Chief Minister also voiced serious concern over Maharashtra Police conducting drug raids in Bengaluru and Mysuru, calling it an embarrassment not just for the police department but for the Karnataka government itself.
“We talk about a drug-free Karnataka, yet police from another state are exposing drug networks here. This is unacceptable,” Siddaramaiah said.
He directed Karnataka Police to use expert teams, strengthen intelligence, and act decisively against drug traffickers, including foreigners involved in the trade. The CM instructed officials to book stringent cases, including attempt-to-murder charges where applicable, and ensure that offenders are sent to jail without delay.
Police Involvement in Crimes ‘Unforgivable’
Raising a serious internal concern, Siddaramaiah pointed out that police personnel themselves are accused in at least 88 criminal cases across the state.
“Police involvement in crimes is an unforgivable offence. It brings disrepute not just to the government but to the entire police force,” he warned.
The Chief Minister reminded officers that police are meant to instill fear among criminals—not become part of criminal activity. He urged personnel in khaki to introspect and live up to the responsibility entrusted to them.
Clear Message from CM
The meeting ended with a strong message from the Chief Minister that law enforcement failures will no longer be tolerated, and that officers must show accountability, decisiveness, and integrity—both on the streets and within the system.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಘಟನೆ, ಡ್ರಗ್ಸ್ ಹಾವಳಿ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಿಎಂ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಕಠಿಣ ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆ
About the Author
