Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently conducted an urgent review of the law and order situation in Mysuru. This critical meeting was prompted by a disturbing series of recent crimes, including the murder of a man and the tragic rape and murder of a minor girl, which have shaken the city over the past few days.
During his visit to Mysuru on Saturday evening, Mr. Siddaramaiah hosted a high-level meeting at his residence. Key officials in attendance included Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikant Reddy and City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar.
Despite a prior engagement for a private event, the Chief Minister prioritized the security concerns. Commissioner Latkar provided a detailed briefing on both tragic cases, outlining the investigative progress achieved to date.
Responding to the gravity of the situation, Mr. Siddaramaiah issued clear directives to the police force. He mandated strict measures to prevent any further such incidents and ordered intensified patrolling, particularly in identified high-risk areas across the city.
Sources indicate that the Chief Minister further emphasized the importance of visible policing, instructing senior officials to personally oversee night patrolling. He also stressed that individual police stations would be held accountable for any untoward incidents occurring within their designated jurisdictions.
This urgent meeting comes amidst significant backlash and strong criticism from Opposition BJP leaders regarding Mysuru’s deteriorating law and order. Prominent critics include Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa.
MP Yaduveer specifically highlighted what he termed a ‘collapse’ of law and order in Mysuru, citing recent harrowing events. These included the brutal murder of a 36-year-old man on October 7, followed by the horrifying kidnap, rape, and murder of a minor girl on October 9. He also noted that these violent crimes occurred shortly after the Maharashtra police had dismantled a significant drug racket in the city, adding to the public’s concern.
Adding to the pressure, MLA Srivatsa publicly condemned Congress leaders for their perceived silence regarding these successive murders, which have undeniably sent shockwaves and instilled fear throughout Mysuru.