Increase in clashes among underworld gangs, sexual assault on women and children, drug smuggling, circulation of bitcoins (virtual currency) and increase in hookah bars in Bengaluru figured in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday with BJP members demanding that the government act firmly against anti-social elements.
“There are over 16 hookah bars in my constituency (Jayanagar). Youngsters throng these bars. My attempt to bring order failed as officials are in hand in glove with the owners,” alleged BJP member Vijaya Kumar. He alleged that most of the patrons of hookah bars and pubs in his constituency are ‘outsiders’ who come to the city to pursue education.
Former minister S. Suresh Kumar accused police of not registering cases of chain-snatching and instead are busy settling disputes. This, he alleged, points to an unholy nexus between police and criminals, he said.
In his two-page reply, Home Minister G. Parameshwar listed 13 steps taken by the government to contain crime against women and children, and six steps to contain the drug mafia. He said that Cyber Crime Police Stations are dealing with cases related to the circulation of bitcoins.
Health Minister Ramesh Kumar, who replied on behalf of the Home Minister, blamed the political system for offering ‘legitimacy’ to criminal elements. “The need of the hour is to come out with suggestions to reform the police system regardless of party affiliation at least before commencement of the next session and implement them,” he added.
