In response to a wave of shocking crimes that recently gripped Mysuru, the city’s police force has launched a robust new initiative. This intensified effort involves deploying specialized anti-rowdy squads, significantly increasing patrols, and conducting thorough vehicle checks, all aimed at curbing illegal activities and restoring a sense of safety and order across the city.
These proactive measures, termed an ‘area domination exercise,’ see police personnel conducting widespread inspections. Their focus includes secluded spots, public parks, bars, wine shops, tea stalls, hotels, and various roadside establishments, ensuring a broad reach in their crime prevention efforts.
The impetus for this crackdown stems from two particularly disturbing incidents. On October 7, a 36-year-old man was tragically ambushed and killed by a group of six assailants near Doddakere Maidan while driving his car. Just two days later, on October 9, a minor girl from a nomadic family, visiting Mysuru for Dasara to sell balloons and toys, was reportedly abducted from her temporary tent, then raped and murdered in the same vicinity.
Since the special operations commenced on Friday, anti-rowdy squads have been diligently working to identify and address individuals suspected of being involved in organized crime or causing public disturbance. Cases are being promptly registered against these offenders.
Over the initial two days of the operation, a significant number of individuals were brought in for questioning, with 405 detained on Friday and an additional 207 on Saturday, totaling 612 persons. Furthermore, legal action was taken against 334 individuals under various provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), and over 700 more cases were filed under the Karnataka Police Act during the same period.
The drive also extended to traffic enforcement, with cases registered under the Indian Motor Vehicles Act for various violations. Specifically, 75 individuals faced charges for triple riding, while another 47 were cited for offenses such as riding without helmets, using faulty number plates, and performing stunts (wheeling). A total of 60 vehicles were impounded over these two days.
Police officials confirmed that these operations spanned numerous key locations across the city. This extensive coverage included Doddakere Maidan, the Dasara Exhibition Parking Area, Jwalamukhki Parking lot, RMC bus stand, RTO circle, Kuvempunagar complex, Shantinagar, and Rajiv Nagar, among other critical areas.
The police statement emphasized that these operations are not a one-off event but will continue consistently. The public is strongly encouraged to report any illegal or suspicious activities in their neighborhoods, with a firm assurance that the identity of all informants will be held in strict confidence.