Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 2 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday presented the Chief Minister's Medal to 158 police personnel in recognition of their exemplary service during the annual Police Flag Day celebrations.

Addressing the awardees and their families, the Karnataka Chief Minister said, '158 people have been awarded the Chief Minister's Medal. I congratulate all of them on behalf of the government. I also wish their families well. We have been celebrating Police Flag Day since April 2. We have been celebrating it since 1965.'

He added, 'On this occasion, it is very important for the police to introspect, the police work 24 hours a day. There is no fixed time like other departments; they should also work on festivals. Because it is necessary to maintain peace, harmony and order in society, this is the responsibility of the police. Our government's hope is that women, the disabled, children and the weaker sections of society should be protected. In a state or country where there is law and order, that state will develop.'

While acknowledging the state's progress in other areas, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, 'Capital investment in that state will increase, employment will increase, and GDP will also increase. I would like to talk about the responsibility of the police in terms of paying more attention to the development of the state. In the last 3 years, murder, robbery, theft and major crimes have been decreasing. We are at the top in cybercrime and drugs. The detection rate is also low. The Karnataka government should make it drug-free. I have said it many times. I will say it again.'

Noting that some personnel have struggled to keep pace with digital advancements, CM explained, 'No crime can be committed in that area without the police knowing. If inspectors do their job properly in their station area, crime will stop. No matter how powerful or rich they are, they cannot take the law into their own hands. We are ahead in delivering justice. But we should work carefully where we have stumbled. If inspectors work honestly, many crimes can be prevented, and crime can be reduced using this technology, but some have lagged behind in using technology.'

'We have created 2 special action forces. Cybercrime should be reduced; it should be drug-free. If the police do not do their job, disciplinary action should be taken against them, even if they say something, they are responsible if they do not do their job,' the CM added.

On the other hand expressing pride in the department's integrity, the Karnataka Home Minister congratulated the 158 officers receiving the Chief Minister's Medal for their dedicated service.

On the occasion of Police Flag Day, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar said, 'I congratulate the 158 police officers who have worked in the department with integrity and are deserving of the Chief Minister's Medal for their hard work. They have earned the title of the best police in the entire country. Karnataka has been given the number one position in delivering justice. Proud of that I'm a minister for this in our police department. '

Reflecting on the last three years of governance, the Home Minister said, 'The third best police station in the country has been identified as Kavitala Police Station in Raichuru district. This should be made into more police stations in the coming days. For the last 3 years, our government has been successful in maintaining peace in this state. We are proud of it. People who invest in the state want peace and tranquillity. '

The Minister further highlighted, 'Our police department has created a peaceful and harmonious environment. They have worked without fail in their duty. They have shown great speed in the Davangere and Vijayanagar bank robbery cases. I appreciate that work.'

The Home Minister also praised the investigative agility of the force in handling high-stakes criminal cases. 'A few years ago, the Chief Minister spoke in the House about detecting and stopping the drug network. In the last three years, thousands of crores of rupees worth of drugs have been seized, and strict action has been taken against those who sell them. In the modern world, cybercrime is increasing in the entire country. Karnataka has reduced the level of prevention of cybercrime to a certain extent,' Karnataka Home Minister stated.

'He said that the Central Home Minister has made the country Naxal-free. But I recall here that many years ago, the Anti-Naxal Squad was made Naxal-free by the Chief Minister. There was a demand for the police department for 62 years. We have changed the cap of the police. We are transferring the police department using modernity, ' Dr G Parameshwar added.

While acknowledging central claims regarding internal security, the Minister emphasised, 'CM Siddaramaiah has facilitated the appointment of 8000 constables and 600 sub-inspectors. The Police Service Board has also done so. It will come into effect very soon.' (ANI)