Karnataka’s top leadership issued a stern warning to dishonest policemen today. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah likened corrupt officers to shepherds who devour the flock they swore to protect, calling it an ‘akshmay aparadh’ or unforgivable offense.
The powerful statement emerged during a review of statewide policing strategies. Siddaramaiah highlighted alarming trends: from petty graft at checkposts to shielding criminals for kickbacks. ‘When rakhewala (guardian) starts charna (grazing) in khेत (fields), justice withers,’ he remarked vividly.
Data backs the CM’s concerns. Over 500 corruption complaints flooded police helplines last quarter alone. In response, the government is rolling out body cameras for traffic police and digital tracking for case filings to minimize human interference.
Siddaramaiah also flagged political interference as a root cause. ‘No MLA or minister will save the corrupt,’ he vowed, signaling zero tolerance. This follows high-profile busts, including a deputy superintendent caught with undeclared assets worth crores.
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive. Social media buzzes with #CleanKhaki campaigns, demanding swift departmental inquiries. Yet, challenges persist: low conviction rates in vigilance cases hover at 20%. Can Siddaramaiah deliver? His administration’s track record on governance reforms will be under the microscope.