We'll build a strong police force: Acharya

Hailing the success of government programmes in naxal-affected areas, Home Minister V.S. Acharya said here on Saturday that Karnataka did not figure in the list of naxal-affected States. Hence, the State had not been invited for the meeting of Chief Ministers to discuss with the naxal problem, convened by the Prime Minister.

However, the Government would continue combing operations in some parts of the State, he said.

Dr. Acharya was speaking at the launch of the Police Control Room Vans (PCRV) and CCTV network in the city.

He said that Union Home Minister Chidambaram had expressed satisfaction over the law and order in the State.

The Government was committed to building a strong police force and modernising the department. The Chief Minister had earmarked enough funds for it. The Government planned to open 25 police stations, including eight traffic police stations by December, he said.

On the issue of unscientific road humps, Dr. Acharya said a special meeting of the Police, Urban Development and other departments concerned had been convened to discuss the issue. A decision would be taken soon to remove unscientific humps across the State and prevent fatal accidents, he added.

The Minister said that all districts in the State would have interceptor vehicles soon, to keep up with the increasing traffic. “At present, only 17 districts have interceptors, each costing Rs. 23 lakh,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S. Suresh Kumar, who is the district-incharge, asked people to follow traffic rules.

Effective policing

The police upgraded security measures for the city on Saturday, with the launch of the PCRV and CCTV network.

Speaking on the occasion, Police Commissioner Sunil Agarwal said the upgrade was aimed at effective policing.

A hi-tech van would be positioned at 14 different locations to respond quickly during an emergency. The multi-utility vehicles would be equipped with fire-fighting equipment, first-aid kit and necessary tools. As many as 42 closed circuit television cameras had been installed across the city to ensure the safety of the public, Mr. Agarwal said.

Director-General and Inspector-General of Police Ajai Kumar Singh and A.H. Vishwanath, MP, were present. (The Hindu)