Rising crime graph worries CM

Rising crime graph worries CM
The Times of India

Bangalore: Chief minister N.Dharam Singh has taken serious exception to Bangalore’s rising crime graph. Addressing the DCs and SPs conference here on Thursday, Singh said the increase in the number of crimes is becoming a cause for concern.

“Crimes in the city get reported in the newspapers everyday. What are you doing,” Singh asked the police top-brass. Increase in crimes will blur the government’s pro-people image, he said. No nakabandi for crime yet! As muggings become a routine in the city, the police wake up and barricade roads. But criminals don’t rest. Ashwin Raj puts up check points before police commissioner S. Mariswamy.

Chain snatchings, muggings and burglaries have become rampant. How is the police force tackling the situation?

There has been no spurt in crime. The overall crime rate in the city is not alarming and the force is doing well. Compared to last year, there has been an increase of around 30 cases each in chain snatchings and robberies. This is not alarming, considering the huge increase in population. There are no serious incidents involving shootouts.

Despite intensified patrolling and ‘nakabandi’ in the last few days, criminals continue to strike. Is the force overworked?.

There have not been many incidents since introducing daily nakabandis across the city. No serious cases have been reported. Some gangs have been caught in the last few days. The force is working overtime to keep a check on criminal activities.

Gangs, comprising mostly outsiders, are striking across the city. Is police keeping a track of the number of gangs and the change in trend?

A large number of people are moving to Bangalore from different parts of the country. Recent arrests have revealed that most of them are from outside Karnataka. There are not many gangs operating in the city. We are making efforts to crack down on such criminals.

Do factors like corruption and low morale among personnel contribute to the present situation?

There is no particular reason to say the police are demotivated or have low morale. They, however, have to work long hours and are poorly paid. There is an immediate need to augment the strength. Bangalore, the largest city, (540 sq km) has a force of 15,000 personnel while Mumbai has 40,000 personnel and Delhi even more.

On a general assessment, how safe do you think the common man feels in Bangalore?

There is nothing in the city so far which indicates that the common man is unsafe. The change in social complexion is having an impact and people are more aware of crime because of various mediums. The city is by and large safe for the citizens.


VERDICT: GUILTY

Justice M.F. Saldanha,
former High Court judge

There exists a total sense of insecurity among citizens exposed to unmitigated goondaism as traffic indisci pline, loss of property or more serious issues like assault and murder. Statistics means nothing. At a recent seminar, it emerged citizens consider it dangerous to enter a police station even to lodge a complaint as it will either not be recorded or nothing comes out of it.

The participants were unanimous in their view that the Police are more often than not on the side of the law breakers. It is the quality of the force that counts. Even if you double the Bangalore police force, we will end up paying more with no appreciable improvement.

Thoughtless changes in traffic movement, interference with the parking system and unpardonable cutting of trees — has anybody done a scientific study of traffic management?