Silvester D' Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Apr 13: “The department of geology and the public works department (PWD) have the information of the dimension of sand mining areas in feet and blocks. They have the responsibility of providing that information to the police department. It is not fair to pass the responsibility on the police department for everything,” said IGP (Western Range) Harishekaran.

He was speaking after visiting Kandloor and Halladu areas on Thursday April 13, where attempt of murder took place on deputy commissioner (DC) Priyanka Mary Francis, assistant commissioner (AC) Shilpa Nag and other officials with regard to illegal sand mining. Before that he held meeting of officials in the office of the DySP.

Coordination

“The police department takes action within 24 hours after receiving information of crime. We come to know of the picture of the problem only when the concerned department informs the police department that the government has given permission for sand mining. No sand mining may be conducted after the expiry of the permit unless it is renewed. However the workers start excavating sand when the contractors ask them to. Following of law and order becomes easy when there is coordination between all departments of the government. The police department does not intervene in any of the functions of the departments including revenue,” he said.

To a question that only the sand seized by the officials goes to the yard of the PWD but the remaining sand gets sold in the open, he said that the team of officials led by the DC decides it. “The police department takes action only when the DC issues written orders,” he said.

Arrests of innocents

Speaking on allegations that innocent people are arrested in Kandloor, but the kingpins are at large, the IGP said that the police department does not receive a crown if the innocent people are arrested. “The court should decide who are innocent. There is no question of leaving kingpin or hairpin”, he said.

Accidents, Crime

“The department has seriously considered the loss of three to four lives due to accidents occurring in NH 66. A report on research from experts is awaited in this respect. Suitable safety measures will be implemented on the basis of the report. Some incidents remain to be investigated. As I have suitable experience of investigating crime cases, I will be taking decision for maintaining law and order in western zone. I am confident that the people here will remember my duration of service,” he said.

Thefts in temples

“I have information that a gang of temple thieves is on the move. A special team has been formed to nab them. I am confident of receiving information in a week. We are also trying to locate the root of drug peddling instead of detaining the sellers. Strict action will be taken against officials if they are found to be colluding with the criminals. The people can openly exchange views about crimes in the society.” he concluded.

Petition by women

Local women, who came to visit IGP Harishekaran, submitted a petition to him stating that innocent people are being arrested in criminal cases. They urged to prevent arrest of such people and release innocent who are arrested in criminal cases.

Udupi superintendent of police (SP) Balakrishna, additional SP Vishnuvardhan, DySP Pravin Nayak, circle inspector Manjappa were present among others.