CM directs police to invoke ‘Goonda Act’ against drug peddlers

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the Mangaluru and the Dakshina Kannada police to invoke the ‘Goonda Act’ against those indulging in narcotic drugs supply and peddling in Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada district police limits respectively

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday directed the city and the district police to invoke the ‘Goonda Act’ against those indulging in narcotic drugs supply and peddling in Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada district police limits respectively.

Chairing a district review meeting here, Mr. Siddaramaiah was not pleased with the response from the City Police Commissioner about the steps being taken to curb the drug menace.

“Arrest them under the Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug-offenders, Gamblers, Goondas (Immoran Traffic Offenders, Slum-grabbers and Video or Audio Pirates) Act, 1985,” he said.

He also directed the police to initiate stern action against those indulging in moral policing activities, irrespective of any group or allegiance to any philosophy.  

Stating that he would get an order issued for payment of ₹5 lakh compensation towards complete damage to houses owing to rains on Tuesday itself, Mr. Siddaramaiah said permanent protection work would be undertaken against sea erosion across the coast.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over falling education as well as health indexes in Dakshina Kannada and sought response from officers concerned.

“DK was third in health index in 2015 and now 23rd, “ e said. He directed the District Health Officer to ensure doctors posted in rural areas resided in official quarters in the same location.