The state government has taken serious note of the horrific shootout and outbreak of violence in the city and its outskirts by announcing that CCTVs will be installed across Bengaluru as well as all large cities.
Home minister R. Ashok said in the Legislative Council on Thursday that an anti-rowdy squad or special task force would be constituted to track down criminals.
“We have noticed that the outskirts are more prone to criminal activities compared to city limits” he said, adding the government was contemplating inclusion of all outlying districts under the police commissionerate. He pointed out that the government was concerned about the fact that suburbs were turning into safe havens for notorious criminals.
Juveniles being hired to commit crimes: Ashok
Juveniles are the new weapons in the hands of hardcore criminals. Anti-social elements are increasingly roping in minors to commit crimes to escape severe punishment. It is a new trend, but alarming too, rued Home minister R. Ashok. “Nowadays, criminals are exploiting youths in the age group of 15 to 18 years. Minors are made to commit heinous crimes as they can be tried only under juvenile laws. Moreover, they take shelter under laws governing human rights and children’s rights. Police can no longer function independently,” explained Mr Ashok, adding that shunting out criminals outside their core area or encounters are no longer an option to keep criminals at bay. “Senior officers are being consulted to chalk out a plan to tackle gang wars and criminal activities,” he added.
However, Opposition members in the Upper House urged the government to break the nexus between politicians, officers and criminals. They suggested that the government deploy efficient officers in sensitive areas and instill fear of law among criminals by better policing , and take human rights groups into confidence to deal with juvenile offenders.