Bengaluru, 11 July   

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday cautioned police officials against involvement in any kind of "deals" or criminal activities, warning of strict action against those involved.

He was speaking after launching 32 state-of-the-art mobile forensic vans and 75 Bolero vehicles for district police units at VidhanaSoudha. 

"Police officers should not be involved in any deals or criminal activities. Strict action will be taken against anyone found involved. You may treat this as my request or as an official directive," Shivakumar said.

The CM also announced Rs 10 lakh reward for the police team that busted the drug network. "This is a new boost to our police department. At the border, there are soldiers; within the state, there are police personnel. Because of both, our state and country can live in peace. On behalf of the government, I congratulate you. Success comes when your determination is stronger than your capabilities," he said.

Noting that the police have seized narcotics worth Rs 375 crore in the past year, he said the department has arrested 1,500 drug peddlers, which is a significant achievement.

"The entire country is watching Karnataka. The government has decided to award Rs 10 lakh cash prize to the team that dismantled the drug network. I congratulate all the officers. Every citizen should have confidence and respect for the police department. Your success is the government's success," he added.

Referring to his recent meeting with Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to discuss cross-border drug trafficking, Shivakumar said he assured the minister that he "will take all necessary measures to prevent drugs from entering or passing through Karnataka."

"Our police department is recognised as one of the most efficient in the country. This reputation has been earned through the hard work, dedication, and efficiency of our personnel. The government will always stand by you in your day-and-night service. Sometimes, unfortunate incidents occur, but even in such situations, our government will ensure that your morale remains strong. You uphold the law and protect society," he said.

According to him, crime has taken many new forms, and with the advent of artificial intelligence, several measures have been introduced to improve crime detection. "I have also directed the formation of dedicated teams in all police stations to curb rowdyism," he added.

Pointing to allegations of embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shivakumar said as a preventive measure, he has instructed that in all temples under the Karnataka Muzrai (Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments) Department, the entire process—from opening the donation boxes, counting the money, to depositing it in the bank—must be video recorded in the presence of local leaders and police officers.

Formal orders will be issued shortly, he said.

"Regardless of the religion, if a place of worship comes under the government's jurisdiction, protecting it is our responsibility. Preventing crime is more important than investigating it after it happens. I believe this decision will also encourage private temples and religiousinstitutions to adopt similar precautions," he said.

The CM called for absolute transparency in police recruitment and warned that no one should secure a government job through bribery.

He also stressed that merit alone should be the basis for appointments.

"The government will stand with you. You, in turn, should discharge your duties with honesty and responsibility," he said.