Bengaluru, 1 Jan 

New Year celebrations across Karnataka, including the capital Bengaluru, were largely peaceful with no major untoward incidents reported, Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Thursday, crediting extensive police deployment and responsible conduct by the public.

Extending New Year greetings, the minister said people celebrated the occasion“responsibly”, helping law enforcement agencies maintain order despite large crowds.

“The new year was celebrated across the state. In Bengaluru, we had expected more people (over 10 lakh) to participate in the celebrations, but according to the police department, an estimated seven to eight lakh people participated. I too monitored things from the command centre till 1:30 am,” Parameshwara told reporters.

He said Bengaluru witnessed an unprecedented security arrangement, with 20,000 police personnel deployed across the city. “For the first time, 20,000 police personnel were deputed in Bengaluru city for the new year celebrations, and there have been no untoward incidents or traffic jams or major accidents anywhere,” he said.

Responding to reports of people allegedly throwing ganja and other materials into Belagavi prison from outside, the Home Minister said he had spoken to Director General of Prisons Alok Kumar. “He will be visiting Belagavi, Kalaburagi and other places,” Parameshwara said, adding that the incident was being examined.

On the rising number of robbery cases reported in parts of the state, including Belagavi, Parameshwara said police were investigating the possible involvement of criminal gangs from outside Karnataka. “We are following up, whether robbery gangs have come from outside. Necessary action will be taken,” he said.

The minister also referred to a recent honour killing case in Hubballi, where a young woman was murdered by her father and relatives following her inter-caste marriage. He said he had visited the family on Wednesday and stressed the need for societal change. “We are in a modern world, India is growing at a fast pace. Society needs to change. Such killings won't send the right message. More than legal action, awareness in the society is also important,” he said.

Parameshwara noted key developments within the police department, including the promotion of over 30 officers to the DIG and IG ranks. “As they are all well-trained IPS officers, it is expected that they will serve the state better,” he said.

He also assured that CID and Special Investigation Team probes into sensitive cases, including “multiple murders, rapes and burials” in Dharmasthala, would be completed at the earliest. Highlighting modernisation efforts, he said the department had received ₹350 crore for upgrades, thanking the Centre and senior officials for their support.