Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the state government is stepping up its fight against drugs and strengthening law and order, including plans to form anti-rowdy squads within the jurisdiction of every police station.
Kharge outlined the Home Department’s initiatives as the government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar completed 100 days in office, saying efforts were focused on creating a healthier and fear-free environment for citizens.
1,999 NDPS cases registered in two months
As part of the ‘RISE Karnataka’ initiative, the Home Department is combining enforcement with public awareness campaigns such as ‘Beda BRO’, aimed at discouraging drug use.
Kharge said police registered 1,999 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 807 alleged drug peddlers between July and August 2026.
He said the government would continue its crackdown on the drug trade while strengthening preventive measures and awareness programmes.
Anti-rowdy squads, cyber fraud helpline
Kharge said anti-rowdy squads would be established within every police station’s jurisdiction to improve surveillance and strengthen action against habitual offenders.
The Home Department has also introduced a dedicated helpline for victims of cyber fraud, while measures are being taken to address Bengaluru’s growing traffic congestion.
The minister said these initiatives are aimed at ensuring that citizens can access police assistance more quickly and feel safer in their neighbourhoods.
AI, EV and drone initiatives on technology front
The government is also pushing technology-led initiatives, including steps towards establishing India’s first AI university.
Kharge highlighted initiatives covering AI education, an AI policy, an AI hub, a green data centre policy and Centres of Excellence for drones and electric vehicles (EVs), which he said would help strengthen Karnataka’s position in emerging technologies.
The government has also launched or advanced programmes including ‘Chief Minister Negila Yogi’ for farmers, free bus passes and ‘CM Vidyarthi Hasta’ for students, ‘Udyoga Nidhi’ and ‘Bharat Jodo Sangha’ for youth, manufacturing clusters and ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ for industrial growth, and ‘Praja Seva’ for grievance redressal.
Kharge said the initiatives launched during the government’s first 100 days would be expanded and implemented with greater momentum in the coming months.