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.

Kolkata, Oct 28: The Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a major gold smuggling attempt across the Indo-Bangladesh Border by arresting a smuggler and seizing gold worth more than Rs 2.45 crore from him in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal.

A senior BSF official stated that troops of the 145 Bn BSF, South Bengal Frontier, posted at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Petrapole received intelligence inputs indicating an attempt to smuggle gold from Bangladesh into India and were maintaining a close watch on the movement.

“A BSF vehicle checking party intercepted an inbound empty truck entering India from Benapole, Bangladesh. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of two green packets that contained eight gold pieces,” he said.

The official stated that the packets contained six gold bars and two biscuits, with a total weight of 1,974.540 grams of gold.

“The gold was valued at nearly Rs 2,45,79,073.90. During questioning, the driver of the vehicle confessed that he had agreed to transport the consignment across the border in his truck for money,” he said.

He further pointed out that the smuggler, along with his truck and the gold, has been handed over to the concerned authorities for further legal action.

The official said that the BSF continues its unwavering commitment to preventing cross-border crimes along the India-Bangladesh border.

“This operation once again underscores the alertness and operational excellence of BSF troops deployed at ICP Petrapole. We have strengthened our intelligence network, and there is complete coordination between all branches, hence the successes,” he added.

The official said that the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier has made a series of gold seizures over the last few weeks, adding that several smugglers have been apprehended and vital information gathered regarding the networks operating along the border.

“While applauding the effort of the troops, the official said that they remain committed to protecting the border and stopping all kinds of smuggling,” he said.

He urged residents of border areas once again to report any information regarding gold smuggling or other unlawful activities to the Seema Sathi Helpline Number 14419.

They can also send text or voice messages to the WhatsApp number 9903472227. Those providing credible information would be suitably rewarded and their identity would be kept confidential, he said.