Bengaluru, Oct 28: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday called upon the state police to join him in the mission to make Karnataka a “drugs-free state”, urging officers to take strong and coordinated action against the menace.

“My goal is to make Karnataka drugs-free, and I urge you to make it your goal as well. If we achieve this, the people of Karnataka will express their gratitude to the police department,” the Chief Minister said.

He was speaking after distributing new peak caps to police personnel, inaugurating the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and releasing the ‘Sanmitra’ action plan handbook at an event organised by the Karnataka State Police Department at the Vidhana Soudha Banquet Hall in Bengaluru.

“Our youth, students, and young generation should not fall prey to drugs. The police department must take a firm and committed stand against this menace,” he said.

“In Mangaluru district, there were frequent communal clashes and instances of misconduct by police personnel earlier. The officers in charge at the time failed to maintain control, so I ordered the transfer of two officials. Now, Mangaluru district is under control. This achievement too belongs to our own officers and staff — they are not from another world; they are ours. Therefore, if you resolve to do it, everything is possible. Prove it through your work,” the Chief Minister urged.

“In the same way, it is possible for you to curb the menace of drugs across the entire state. If you succeed, the prestige of the Karnataka Police will rise to international standards,” he added.

“Some police personnel are involved with real estate operators and drug networks. It is within your power to nip rowdy elements in the bud. The fear of the police has diminished in the criminal world. Ask yourselves why this has happened — you know the answer,” Siddaramaiah said, appealing to the conscience of police officers and staff.

“You know who sells drugs, who brings them in, and who the agents in this network are. Make Karnataka a ‘Drugs-Free State’ at the earliest. Achieve it and show results,” he urged.

“The design of the peak cap released today was chosen by me personally. We have replaced the model that was in use since 1956 –nearly 70 years. Now, both officers and personnel will have a uniform cap design. I hope this change will boost your confidence,” the Chief Minister said.

“It’s not just the cap that should change — your performance should also improve,” he added.

The Chief Minister lauded the police department’s efficiency, saying, “The government earns a good name because of the police department’s dedication. The India Justice Report ranking Karnataka Police as number one in the country has enhanced the state’s prestige.”

Kolkata, Oct 28: After BJP leader Rakesh Singh and his children were arrested in connection with an assault case in West Bengal, his minor daughter on Tuesday filed a counter-complaint of molestation against the son of the flat owner, on whose complaint her father was held.

The police said flat owner Chandu Khan’s son has been arrested, based on a complaint lodged by the BJP leader’s daughter.

Kasba Police said that all the arrested will be produced in court later in the day, where police custody of the accused will be sought.

According to sources, the police are investigating whether Rakesh Singh’s minor daughter also had any role in the incident on Monday.

“We have received a counter-complaint today. The BJP leader’s daughter has made the complaint. The accused has been arrested on charges of molestation. We are investigating both incidents. Separate cases have been registered. Investigation is on,” said a senior officer of Kolkata Police.

Kolkata Police arrested Rakesh Singh and his son on charges of going on a rampage inside a housing complex in the Kasba area of Kolkata on Monday.

The police had also detained the minor daughter of the BJP leader over the same charge.

According to flat owner Chandu Khan’s son Rajarshi Khan, “Rakesh Singh has a flat on the fourth floor. He has forcibly occupied our flat on the third floor. He has kept his belongings there. I have repeatedly asked him to remove the belongings. But, he did not remove them. We were taking the workers today and putting their belongings down because we were paying rent. Then eight to nine people came and beat my father and brother. They had firearms in their hands. They beat them with gun butts. My father had to be admitted to the hospital. They also attacked me with a knife.”

However, the daughter has now filed a molestation case against the son of the flat owner.

In September, Rakesh Singh was arrested for vandalism at the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) office in central Kolkata. Later, he was released on bail.

Mumbai, October 28: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully carried out a long-range medical evacuation of a critically injured Iranian fisherman from the fishing dhow Al-Owais in the Arabian Sea, about 1,500 km west of Kochi. The operation highlights India’s continued commitment to maritime safety and international cooperation at sea.

According to Indian Coast Guard, the injured fisherman is currently receiving medical treatment onboard ICG Ship Sachet, which is heading towards Goa for advanced medical care. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, was alerted by MRCC Chabahar (Iran) about the emergency situation onboard Al-Owais. Acting swiftly, MRCC Mumbai activated the International Safety Net (ISN), diverted merchant vessel MT STI Grace and tasked ICG Ship Sachet to provide immediate assistance.

Tele-medical guidance was provided during the operation and the injured crew member was safely transferred to ICG Sachet for further care. The ICG’s prompt response ensured that the fisherman received timely medical aid in the middle of the sea, showcasing the force’s professionalism and humanitarian approach.

ICG issued an official statement and said, “In a swift and coordinated rescue operation, @IndiaCoastGuard undertook long range mid sea #MEDVAC of a critically injured #Iranian fisherman from the dhow Al-Owais, approx 1500km west of #Kochi. #MRCC #Mumbai alerted by #MRCC #Chabahar, #Iran, regarding an explosion-related injury to the master, Mr. Allah Baksh.”

It further said, “#ICG Ship Sachet and Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT STI Grace were diverted for assistance. The patient was evacuated, stabilized and transferred mid-sea to #ICGS Sachet. The injured crew is under medical supervisions onboard #ICGS Sachet enroute to #Goa for further medical management.”

This follows another recent rescue, where ICG Ship Kasturba Gandhi and an ICG Dornier aircraft successfully saved 31 Indian fishermen stranded onboard the disabled fishing boat Anton 1, which had been adrift for 11 days amid rough weather. The coordinated sea-air rescue once again reaffirmed the Indian Coast Guard’s dedication to saving lives at sea.