Direct recruitment of intelligence officials on the anvil: CM

Bengaluru: Conceding that laxity of intelligence officials is taking a toll on crime prevention in the state, chief minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said various measures, including initiating a direct recruitment process, will be taken to strengthen the department. Addressing senior police officers in a review meeting, he said: "Intelligence gathering forms a crucial part in preventing crimes. The department has not been meeting the requirements. It needs to become more efficient." The department has been under fire ever since Bengaluru witnessed a spurt in terror activities, including two blasts—one in Malleswaram and another in Church Street—in two years. Special training The CM said special training will be imparted to officials recruited directly to the department. He, however, did not elaborate on what kind of training would be given or whether help from central agencies would be sought for the purpose. "We will ensure that officials do not get transferred to any other department," he said. Many times, senior officers have spoken about how frequent changes in the department have hurt gathering intelligence. He insisted that senior officers must visit crime spots to motivate juniors. He also asked officers to pull their socks up and check prisoners escaping from jails and use of drugs within jails premises. "All police stations must maintain records of offenders and keep track of them continuously. The Goonda Act must be used to book habitual offenders," he said. From now, SPs and DCPs will have to keep a check on illegal lotteries and gambling. Crime branches of respective districts should take charge of these operations, he added. -TOI