Mangaluru: Rejecting IT minister Priyank Kharge’s claim that Mangaluru’s communal image is affecting investment in the region, home minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that data from the police department indicates that the situation in the district has improved.The home minister, who was in Mangaluru, also conducted a law and order review meeting with top officials from Mangaluru city police and Dakshina Kannada district police. He told reporters that communal murders, drug menace, and incidents of moral policing reduced as per data, which is an indicator of the prevailing peace and improved law and order situation. “I do not know in what context Priyank Kharge said so,” he said. Parameshwara noted that people in the district responded positively to the initiatives undertaken by the police department. Acknowledging that sporadic incidents may occur, the home minister emphasised that such instances cannot be generalised. “There was a time when parents preferred to send their children to Mysuru, Bengaluru, and other places for education. I received such feedback while preparing the election manifesto. With the change in the situation, the district is regaining its past glory. As per the govt’s assessment, a conducive environment for development returned,” Parameshwara said. The minister further stated that the police effectively implemented the govt’s directions to curb drug menace. “Random testing of students is being conducted regularly, and cases of drug peddling and consumption declined. I have directed the police to intensify these efforts further by visiting schools and colleges in their jurisdiction once every 15 days, and hold meetings with school and college managements once every four months,” he said. On the SIT probe into the Dharmasthala mass burial case, Parameshwara said the team is yet to submit its final report. “Once the report is submitted, it will be placed before the cabinet and made public. We have asked them to submit the report at the earliest,” he said. Regarding the mysterious death of a teenager in Belthangady, the minister said certain details cannot be disclosed at this stage as the probe is still on. The minister also noted that the police are making progress in resolving long-pending cases. On the recruitment of locals into the police department, Parameshwara said fewer local candidates are applying for constable posts. “When a large number of applicants from other districts apply, their chances of selection increase. We would like to see more locals join the police force, as it helps build better rapport with the community,” he said. Commenting on cockfighting, the minister made it clear that tradition cannot override the law. “Tradition is not above the law. If gambling is involved, it cannot be permitted,” he said. He added that the govt is also promoting tourism in the district and is working towards attracting industries, including semiconductor units, to boost economic development.
