Mangaluru's Law and Order Situation Has Improved, Says Home Minister Parameshwara
In a direct rebuttal to IT Minister Priyank Kharge's recent assertion that Mangaluru's communal image is deterring investment in the region, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated on Tuesday that official police data indicates a significant improvement in the district's law and order situation. Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Parameshwara emphasized that the data reflects a decline in communal violence, drug-related incidents, and cases of moral policing, signaling a return to peace and stability.
Data-Driven Rebuttal to Investment Concerns
Parameshwara firmly rejected Kharge's claim, noting that he is unaware of the context in which the IT minister made the statement. "I do not know in what context Priyank Kharge said so," he remarked, while presenting evidence from police records. The home minister highlighted that the reduction in crime rates is a clear indicator of the prevailing peace and improved security environment in Mangaluru and the broader Dakshina Kannada district.
During his visit, Parameshwara conducted a comprehensive law and order review meeting with top officials from the Mangaluru city police and Dakshina Kannada district police. He praised the positive response from the local community to police initiatives, acknowledging that while sporadic incidents may occur, they should not be generalized to paint a negative picture of the entire region.
Restoring Mangaluru's Past Glory and Development Prospects
Reflecting on past concerns, Parameshwara shared feedback received while preparing the election manifesto, revealing that parents once preferred sending their children to cities like Mysuru and Bengaluru for education due to safety worries. "With the change in the situation, the district is regaining its past glory. As per the government's assessment, a conducive environment for development has returned," he asserted, underscoring the district's recovery and renewed potential for growth.
To further bolster this progress, the home minister outlined ongoing efforts:
- Drug Menace Curbing: The police have effectively implemented government directives to combat drug abuse, with regular random testing of students leading to a decline in drug peddling and consumption cases.
- Enhanced Monitoring: Parameshwara has directed police to intensify their efforts by visiting schools and colleges within their jurisdiction every 15 days and holding meetings with educational institution managements every four months.
- Tourism and Industry Promotion: The government is actively promoting tourism in the district and working to attract industries, including semiconductor units, to boost economic development.
Updates on Key Investigations and Recruitment Challenges
Addressing other pressing issues, Parameshwara provided updates on several cases:
- Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has yet to submit its final report. Once received, it will be presented to the cabinet and made public, with the government urging an early submission.
- Belthangady Teenager Death: Regarding the mysterious death of a teenager in Belthangady, the minister stated that certain details cannot be disclosed at this stage as the investigation is ongoing.
- Cockfighting and Gambling: Parameshwara made it clear that tradition cannot override the law, emphasizing that "tradition is not above the law. If gambling is involved, it cannot be permitted."
On the recruitment front, Parameshwara expressed concern over the low number of local candidates applying for constable posts in the police department. "When a large number of applicants from other districts apply, their chances of selection increase. We would like to see more locals join the police force, as it helps build better rapport with the community," he explained, highlighting the importance of local representation in law enforcement.
Additionally, the minister noted that the police are making steady progress in resolving long-pending cases, further contributing to the improved law and order landscape in Mangaluru.
