Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday asserted that the law would be enforced equally on everyone and warned that strict action would be taken against those found violating it.
The minister made the remarks after chairing a meeting with senior police officers at the state police headquarters in Bengaluru, where key issues relating to law and order, public safety and cyber-related challenges were reviewed.
Focus on law and order and public safety
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Priyank Kharge said he received detailed briefings from police officials on a range of issues affecting the state, particularly Bengaluru.
The discussions covered law and order, the growing menace of narcotics, women’s safety, traffic management and emerging challenges linked to digital platforms.
The minister said he had offered several suggestions and issued directives to the police leadership to strengthen enforcement measures and improve public safety.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, he stressed that authorities would not hesitate to act against individuals who violate the law, irrespective of their background or status.
Government monitoring fake news and hate content
The Home Minister said the Information Technology Department and the police department are jointly examining issues related to fake news and inflammatory content circulating on social media platforms.
He expressed concern over the misuse of digital platforms to spread misinformation, create unrest and promote hatred among communities.
According to Kharge, action will be taken against individuals who use social media to incite tensions or disturb public harmony.
Officials are reportedly exploring mechanisms to identify and address the spread of harmful content while ensuring compliance with legal provisions.
The issue has gained increasing importance as social media platforms continue to play a major role in shaping public discourse and information sharing.
Measures planned to reduce VVIP traffic disruptions
The minister also addressed concerns regarding inconvenience caused to the public during the movement of VVIPs.
He acknowledged that traffic restrictions and road closures often lead to difficulties for commuters and said the matter was discussed extensively during the review meeting.
Police officials have been instructed to examine possible measures that can minimise disruption to the public while continuing to provide necessary security arrangements.
However, Kharge noted that implementing changes to existing protocols would require time and careful planning.
Authorities are expected to study alternative approaches that balance security requirements with public convenience.
Health Minister conducts surprise hospital inspection
In a separate development, Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader made a surprise visit to Jayanagar General Hospital shortly after being allocated the health portfolio.
During the inspection, Khader interacted with patients and enquired about their health conditions, treatment experiences and the quality of services available at the government hospital.
The minister also visited several departments to assess infrastructure, staffing and overall functioning of the facility.
Doctors absent during inspection
Speaking after the visit, Khader said the inspection was aimed at understanding how the hospital was functioning and identifying any operational shortcomings.
He stated that a few deficiencies were observed during the visit and noted that some doctors were absent from duty at the time of inspection.
The Health Minister said those found absent would be issued warnings and directed to maintain regular attendance.
According to Khader, the government is committed to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring accountability among medical personnel working in public hospitals.
The surprise inspection is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen public healthcare services and improve patient experiences in government-run institutions.
Government stresses accountability
The developments reflect the government’s focus on strengthening governance across key sectors, including law enforcement and healthcare.
While the Home Department is focusing on issues such as law and order, cyber-related offences and public safety, the Health Department has signalled its intention to improve accountability and service delivery in government hospitals.
Officials indicated that further reviews and inspections are likely in the coming weeks as the government seeks to address public concerns and enhance administrative efficiency.