Bengaluru's NYE under watch: 7,500 CCTV cameras deployed
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Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Tuesday that the state police have set up 7,500 CCTV cameras across Bengaluru to monitor the New Year celebrations and enhance security in the city. Parameshwara conveyed New Year greetings to the people of Karnataka, expressing hopes for prosperity and happiness in the coming year. He emphasized that all preventive measures have been put in place by the Home Department to ensure the safety of citizens.
"We aim to ensure that no untoward incidents occur during the celebrations, especially since Bengaluru witnesses a gathering of seven to eight lakh people, primarily young men and women, during the New Year festivities," Parameshwara said. He added that adequate police deployment has been made, with heightened security around sensitive areas like M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Koramangala, Indiranagar, and Jayanagar, where large crowds typically gather.
Senior police officers will oversee the security arrangements, and the 7,500 CCTV cameras installed throughout Bengaluru will monitor every development in real time. The police force will also be present in plain clothes to maintain vigilance. Parameshwara further noted that additional cameras have been installed in sensitive spots to enhance coverage.
In addition to security measures, the Karnataka government is conducting a "zero drug drive" across the state. Parameshwara explained that the state had launched this drive due to concerns over drug supply during large gatherings like the New Year celebrations. He mentioned that operations had been underway for over a month to curb drug distribution, particularly in areas where parties are organized.
Regarding the recent complaint from BJP MLC C.T. Ravi to the Governor about alleged police highhandedness, Parameshwara stated that the investigation would determine whether the police or Ravi was at fault. He confirmed that the case had been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiry, with an order issued on Monday.
In response to the BJP’s demand for the resignation of Minister Priyank Kharge in the contractor suicide case, Parameshwara defended Kharge, stating that there was no evidence linking him to the incident. He expressed that such allegations were politically motivated, particularly by the BJP and JD(S), who have been critical of Kharge. "If any evidence emerges, the CID inquiry will bring out the facts," he added, praising Kharge for carrying out his duties efficiently.
Parameshwara also took a dig at the BJP, noting that as a national party, it should act responsibly rather than engaging in political mudslinging. He asserted that the BJP had also been in power both in Karnataka and at the Centre and should act with the same level of responsibility in the opposition.
With IANS inputs