Strict Action Will be Taken Against Moral Policing: CM

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said strict action will be taken against groups and organisations involved in moral policing.

He said nobody has the right to take the law into their hands.

He was speaking at a programme to distribute the President’s Medal of courage and bravery to police personnel. In all, 47 officers and personnel from across the state received the medals.

“There has also been a spurt in incidents of sexual assaults on children. Police have been directed to look into such cases on priority and ensure that action is taken at the earliest,” he said. Stating that society is full of inequalities, Siddaramaiah directed police officers to ensure that justice reaches everyone, including minorities and those from backward classes.  “Police officers must ensure that no sections of society is denied justice. Though policemen work in difficult conditions and heavy pressure, care must be taken to ensure that this does not hamper their duty to the society. Criminals and anti-social elements must be made to fear the law by ensuring that justice is meted out. Only then will there be the fear of committing a crime,” he added.

Earlier, Home Minister K J George said the government has a proposal to build 11,000 houses for policemen under a grant of `1,800 crore. “Apart from this, family insurance and Arogya Bhagya schemes have also been initiated for policemen. Personnel who take part in national and international sporting events will be encouraged by the government,” he said.

Governor Vajubhai Vala, who presented the medals, said 47 per cent of the awardees are from Karnataka. “This only shows the power of the Karnataka Police. The chief and home ministers are also responsible for this feat,” he said.

In all, five personnel received the bravery medal, seven personnel medal for special services and 35 others received honorary medals. Principal Secretary, Deputy General and Inspector General of Police Lalrokhuma Pachuau, city police commissioner M N Reddi and others were present.