Siddaramaiah expresses dissatisfaction over intelligence wing functioning

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed dissatisfaction over the way the intelligence wing was functioning and has called for strengthening it to reduce crime. In his address at the Investiture Ceremony in the Raj Bhavan on Thursday, the CM said the intelligence wing’s duty was to gather information, analyse the developments and tell what’s going to happen next.

“Unfortunately, intelligence officials are passing information that appears on TV channels and newspapers. Is this the job of the intelligence wing? Can we call it intelligence alert? There is a need to change the intelligence system. Those working in intelligence wing should be given separate training. I have discussed with senior police officers,” he said.

“Many crimes can be averted if there is good intelligence gathering system. Preventing crime by collecting intelligence is better than nabbing the culprits after the crime. Police should work on those lines,” the CM added.

Further, he also warned that indiscipline in the police force cannot be tolerated. “In the recent past, there were some instances where policemen have forgotten their responsibilities. Such incidents cannot be tolerated. Both politicians and policemen know what are they getting into and still chose to work in these fields. Policemen have to always work under pressure and it’s a known fact. Hence, they should not be disheartened and take extreme steps like suicide,” Mr Siddaramaiah said.

During the ceremony 66 police officials and staff were conferred with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished and Meritorious Service by Governor Vajubhai Vala. Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwar and other senior police officers also attended the event.