Terming the rising incidents of vigilantism as a “challenge to the State”, the Karnataka Police said on Wednesday that action will be taken against those crossing the line of public activism.
“Whatever may be the name, vigilantism in any manner will not be tolerated,” Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) M.N. Reddi said, after a discussion with police officers on cattle theft and underworld operatives in the city.
The officer said action would be taken not only against those involved in cattle theft but also against groups that take law into their hands to stop such thefts. Cattle theft in Dakshina Kannada had been taken seriously and instructions given to police officers to act as per law without fear or favour. “No vigilantism will be allowed … it is a challenge to State,” Mr. Reddi said.
No group should go on the road and take action on theft of cattle. “An owner has a right to stop, not others,” he said and added that people were free to inform police about theft. “Allow us to do your job,” Mr. Reddi said. “Any robber is a rowdy … but those involved in rioting are also rowdies. Action will be the same on the two.”
On gang wars in the city, Mr. Reddi said officers had been instructions to keep an eye on criminals and take necessary action. “Either they (persons with criminal antecedents) should be here or the police,” he said.
Vacancies
Staff crunch in the department had taken a toll on beat policing — the main link between the police and the public — said the officer in-charge of law and order in the State. Of the 18,000 vacancies for various posts, 8,500 constables would be hired by next month. He hoped that vacant posts would be filled in another three years.
