Anganwadi Food Scam: "I Am Not Under Pressure": Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar  

Hubballi: "I am not under any kind of pressure. The police are making every effort to apprehend the prime accused in the case related to the illegal storage and distribution of food items meant for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children."

Speaking at the "Meet the Press" event organized by the Dharwad District Working Journalists Association on Saturday, Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar addressed concerns regarding the delay in arresting the prime accused. Responding to queries on whether any individuals were influencing the investigation, he clarified that the police have already arrested 32 individuals in connection with the case, with two prime accused still at large.

“We have formed four teams to apprehend them. On several occasions, the police came close to capturing them but were unable to do so. There is certainly pressure to arrest them, but so far, I have not received any calls from anyone asking me not to arrest them,” he asserted.

Regarding recent remarks by local MLAs labeling the delay as a police failure, the commissioner refrained from direct comments but assured that the police are doing their best to nab the suspects. He also confirmed that the accused have not fled the country, as lookout notices have already been issued against them.

Highlighting the department’s efforts, Commissioner Shashikumar emphasized improvements in the e-beat system, noting that it has been functioning efficiently. “On average, out of 1,500 scan points, around 1,300 are scanned daily by patrolling officers,” he said.

He also pointed out that the Hubballi-Dharwad Police boasts the best emergency response time in the state. “If someone dials 112, the police reach the location within 5.12 minutes, which is the fastest response time in Karnataka,” he stated.

The commissioner reiterated the department’s commitment to tackling anti-social elements with a firm hand. He mentioned area familiarization and area domination drives to keep such elements at bay. He also noted significant efforts to combat drug abuse, acknowledging that while the issue hasn’t been completely eradicated, awareness initiatives are crucial.

“For the first time, we have not only arrested drug peddlers but also suppliers who provided financial and logistical support, as well as consumers. In 25 cases registered under the NDPS Act, more than 250 peddlers, suppliers, and others involved in drug-related crimes were arrested,” he revealed.

Additionally, he shared that around 2,000 individuals suspected of consuming narcotics were tested at medical institutes, out of which 900 tested positive. While cases were registered against some, others were provided counseling by psychiatrists.

Traffic Management and Modernization

Admitting that the current traffic management system needs improvement, Commissioner Shashikumar acknowledged that many traffic cameras at key junctions and major roads are non-functional, largely due to ongoing infrastructure projects.

He pointed out that various cameras installed by the police department, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), and Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited (HDSCL) are yet to be synchronized. There is a plan to introduce HD-Trac, similar to Bengaluru’s B-Trac, to streamline traffic management.

Furthermore, he mentioned a proposal to assign numbers to auto-rickshaws after proper documentation, similar to the system implemented in Mysuru, Shivamogga, and Bengaluru.

Regarding preparations for the upcoming Holi festival on March 15, Commissioner Shashikumar assured that adequate security measures have been put in place. Around 2,500 personnel, including those from the commissionerate, will be deployed to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration.