Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 19: Responding to recent incidents of crime across Karnataka, including the shootout targeting the son of late underworld figure Muthappa Rai, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Saturday stated that the law and order situation in the state is improving.
Speaking to the media in the backdrop of the shooting incident that occurred on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the Home Minister expressed concern that his previous remarks had been misrepresented, and noted that he would now exercise greater caution while addressing such matters publicly.
“My statements often get distorted in the media, so I would be cautious in making comments,” Parameshwara said.
He further stated, “I received a briefing from the Bengaluru Police Commissioner this morning. All parameters, including cybercrime cases, have shown a decline compared to last year.”
“If someone says the law and order situation is not good, they must think carefully before making such a statement,” he added.
Addressing the specific shootout involving Ricky Rai, son of the late Muthappa Rai, the Minister said, “I have been informed about the incident. Police officers have briefed me that the firing took place between 1 am and 2 am. I’m receiving updates. We are aware of the firing, and the victim has been admitted to hospital. I have sought further details. Additional police force has been deployed, and the investigation is underway.”
On a separate note, the Minister addressed ongoing discussions regarding the caste census, clarifying that it was part of a larger consultative process within the government.
“Eventually, the government and the Chief Minister will make a decision. It will be a Cabinet decision, not an individual one, and certainly not just the decision of CM Siddaramaiah,” he clarified.
“The Opposition will make their claims, and we are observing them. It is a socio-economic and educational survey. The main objective, and the terms of reference, are to assess the status of communities in terms of social, economic, and educational factors. The survey was conducted with these goals in mind,” he said.
“During the process, numerical data was naturally collected and submitted to the government. The government now has to study it and use it to formulate policies and programmes,” Parameshwara added.
The Minister also acknowledged that some ministers had expressed concerns over the reported population figures of their communities. “After studying the report, I believe this is one of the most scientifically-conducted enumerations of data. If the media accesses it, you will see the same.”
“They collected minute details – for example, whether a family has a bore well, and whether it is functional or not. Signatures were taken from the family and the supervising officer during data collection. We have all that information,” he stated.
“The survey teams visited 1.37 crore families. All data has been verified with signatures. It’s not possible to fabricate such a report as the Opposition alleges. The data is available with the commissionerate, and anyone can verify it,” he emphasised.
When asked whether the caste data could be used for implementing internal reservation, Parameshwara responded, “Justice H N Nagamohan Das has been tasked with collecting data specifically related to SCs and STs. Once that data is available, it will be compared with this survey. There won’t be any confusion. Let the survey be completed.”
Addressing a recent controversy involving the removal of a sacred thread during an examination, Parameshwara termed it a serious error. “It is a serious mistake. I do not agree with such an act. During exams, candidates are asked to follow certain guidelines, but this was an individual’s mistake, and society as a whole does not support it.”