Bengaluru Police Honors 113 Personnel with Rs 35 Lakh Cash Awards for Exemplary Investigations
In a significant recognition of exemplary police work, the Bengaluru police department has awarded cash prizes totaling Rs 35 lakh to 113 police personnel. This includes several IPS officers and women cops, who were commended for their outstanding efforts in investigating two high-profile criminal cases that captured public attention across Karnataka.
Recognition for Complex and Unique Cases
A senior police officer highlighted the challenging nature of these investigations, stating, "These two cases were unique in nature. Carrying out investigation was not an ordinary task. Scientific skills and effective policing were needed. The teams showed commitment, enthusiasm and dedication." The awards underscore the department's commitment to rewarding meticulous and dedicated police work that goes beyond routine duties.
Rs 25 Lakh Award for Prajwal Revanna Rape Case Investigation
The bulk of the cash prize, Rs 25 lakh, was awarded to a 30-member special investigation team. This team, led by additional director-general of police (CID) BK Singh, successfully investigated the rape case against former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. Prajwal Revanna was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, marking a significant legal outcome.
In addition to the team award, chief investigating officer BK Singh received an appreciation letter from the government for his leadership. Two women IPS officers, Suman Pennekar and Seema Latkar, were individually awarded Rs 2.5 lakh each for their crucial roles. Another woman officer, inspector Shobha G, was awarded over Rs 1.7 lakh. The remaining officers of various ranks received amounts ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 25,000 each, reflecting a tiered recognition system based on contribution and rank.
Rs 10 Lakh Award for Davanagere Bank Dacoity Probe
The second cash award, amounting to Rs 10 lakh, was distributed among 83 police personnel who investigated the infamous bank dacoity at Nyamati in Davanagere in October 2024. This case gained notoriety as it was inspired by the popular Spanish crime drama Money Heist, with miscreants fleeing with 17kg of gold from the bank.
The police team demonstrated effective coordination and investigative skills by arresting six men from neighbouring states and successfully recovering the stolen booty. This swift action prevented a major financial loss and highlighted the police's ability to tackle sophisticated crimes inspired by modern media narratives.
Implications for Police Morale and Public Safety
This award ceremony not only boosts the morale of the police force but also sends a strong message about the importance of diligent investigation in ensuring justice. By recognizing both high-profile political cases and complex criminal heists, the Bengaluru police department emphasizes its role in maintaining law and order across diverse scenarios. Such initiatives are expected to encourage more officers to pursue cases with similar dedication, ultimately enhancing public safety and trust in the police system.
