Bengaluru: With Karnataka and especially Bengaluru struggling with organised crime and cyber fraud to potential terror threats, the state government is planning a multi-pronged security push, including dedicated anti-rowdy squads and NSG training for its police force.
Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said: “In every district of the state, including Bengaluru city, we have already started the process of forming an anti-rowdy force under the leadership of separate IPS officers to control rowdies. This team will not bow to any political pressure and will work to ensure public safety and maintain peace in society.”
The announcement came after his address to the comprehensive capacity-building training for Karnataka state police by NSG at Manekshaw Parade ground in Bengaluru Friday.
The anti-rowdy squad was part of Shivakumar’s Independence Day speech, assuring the residents of Bengaluru relief from growing crimes and fear-free environment in India’s IT capital.
He added that the state police would also be trained by the National Security Guards (NSG), skilling and adding to the abilities of law enforcement authorities, to safeguard the state from terrorist attacks and external threats.
“A special programme has been organised from the NSG to train the Karnataka Police Department, which has adopted special training and capabilities,” Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for Home Affairs added.
He said there should be better coordination between all departments like intelligence, special forces, forensics, fire and civil administration which are essential to face security threats like terror attacks.
The chief minister said necessary space should be provided by real estate developers to build helipads on high-rise buildings as it would prove very useful during emergencies.
“High-rise buildings are increasing in Bengaluru city. If fire accidents or terrorist attacks happen, protecting citizens is our duty. In such emergency situations, to save lives by using helipads, our government will hold talks with military and air force officials for an agreement,” he said.
However, most high-rises and big hotels that have helipads are just part of the building’s appeal and are mostly non-functional.
Shivakumar had in the past announced the formation of specialised forces to tackle rising crime in the southern state.
This includes the rise of cyber crime with frequent reports of people falling prey to online scams.
Bengaluru reported the highest number of cyber crimes among metropolitan cities in 2024, according to the latest data by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). India’s IT capital accounted for more than half the cyber crimes across major cities in the country.
Bengaluru recorded 17,561 cybercrime cases in 2024, which was only marginally lower than 17,631 cases reported in the corresponding year.
“Cyber crimes are increasing. We are using technology to control this. We are also using drones for national security. Bengaluru is a global city. The whole world is watching this city,” he said.
He added that Bengaluru is home to some of the world’s biggest technology companies and a cybercrime-trained police force can help increase trust and confidence.
He also added that the government has agreed to increase police hardship allowance by 50 percent, on the model of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as well as provide better housing facilities.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)