Minister admits it’s bad time for city

Minister admits it’s bad time for city
The Times of India

Bangalore: “It’s a bad time for Bangalore,’’ said home minister M P Prakash in the light of increased crime and unlawful activities in the city.
Though quoting statistics which reveal a southward crime rate compared to previous years (corresponding period January-September), the minister said; “It’s an unfortunate situation because of unbridled growth, land prices skyrocketing and the widening gap between the rich and poor.’’
Prakash was speaking to reporters on Saturday after a review meeting with the police top brass to take stock of the situation.
He said it was disheartening to see a trend of many educated citizens taking to crime — from extortion, threat arising out of land disputes to cyber crime.
In a bid to assure that the coalition government had taken serious note of the prevailing situation, Prakash said recruitment process was on for 4,300 personnel, of that 2,300 for the city alone.
On one hand the police are arresting criminals and have even identified 1,600 rowdy-sheeted persons who are closely watched. At the same time, prisons are full - The Central Jail in Parappana Agrahara has 4,500 inmates, twice its capacity. Where six inmates should use one toilet, there are now 17.
On the Supreme Court directive that police duties should be independent — investigation and maintaining law and order, Prakash said the benefit policing and all steps would be taken to implement it accordingly.