K’taka top cop tells officers to file suo-moto cases against hate speeches, fake news peddlers

Bengaluru: Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police (DGP and IGP) Alok Mohan has instructed the state police to take severe action against anyone making hate speeches and provocative utterances, just a few days following the annual review meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

On July 16, Mohan issued an order to all district superintendents of police (SP), commissioners, and deputy commissioners of police (DCP), directing them to use the monitoring system to keep an eye out for hate speech and fake news on social media and to report incidents on their own initiative under the appropriate sections, Indian Express reported.

Additionally, he stated that as soon as they have knowledge on a significant crime, DCPs and SPs should go to the scene right away. He stated that all personnel members need to be aware of the E-beat system, put an end to sexual harassment, and monitor educational institutions to make sure drug peddling does not occur.

In order to solve the difficulties, he further stated that every day, all SPs or DCPs in their jurisdiction must visit at least one police station and engage with the public and staff. Additionally, he gave the personnel orders to patrol public areas in uniform between the hours of 9 am and 11 am and between 6 pm and 9 pm.

A doctor employed at a private hospital was detained by the Udupi district police on Sunday due to a rumoured communal post he made on X criticising Muslims. While the doctor removed his post and asserted that his account had been hacked, some social media users called for action against him.