Parameshwara denies graft charges, warns of tough action against corrupt police personnel
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara on Friday firmly rejected allegations of taking bribes and asserted that he would resign immediately if anyone proved that he had accepted even “one paisa” as a bribe.
Speaking to reporters after flagging off three ‘Hygiene on Go’ mobile sanitation vehicles for Bengaluru traffic police at the State Police Headquarters on Nrupathunga Road, the minister issued a strong defence of his conduct in office.
“I have not taken money from anyone after becoming the Home Minister. I have not accepted money to post any police officer. If it is proved that I have taken bribe, I will not continue even for a moment,” he declared. He also warned that action would be taken even against those who falsely misuse his name to collect money. “If anyone claims they know me and collects bribes, they will also face strict action,” he said.
Parameshwara detailed several disciplinary measures initiated in recent months to curb corruption within the police force. “Action has already been taken against 124 police personnel. In the ₹7.11 crore robbery case, one constable was involved.
He will be dismissed. A probationary PSI involved in a Davanagere robbery incident has already been removed from service, and another PSI has been suspended. Police personnel in Kolar who were involved in corruption will also be dismissed,” he added.
The minister made it clear that the government will not hesitate to pursue legal action to ensure tainted officials do not return to service. “If dismissed policemen approach the courts, the government will move the Supreme Court to ensure they never get reinstated. There will be no mercy for corrupt police,” he said.
On cybercrime, Parameshwara said around 13,000 cases have been registered so far this year. While 21,995 cases were registered in 2024, the number in 2023 stood at 21,903.
Giving details of the fight against narcotics, the minister said Bengaluru Police had made significant progress. In 2025 alone, 1,078 NDPS cases were registered, and 1,491 Indian nationals and 52 foreigners were arrested. Drugs worth about Rs 120.14 crore, weighing around 1,446.75 kg, were seized. Over the last three years, the state registered 15,678 NDPS cases and arrested more than 19,000 Indians and 211 foreigners.
He also addressed concerns about viral videos from Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, clarifying that some clips were three to four years old. “Regardless of when the videos were shot, action will be taken against any guilty prison staff,” he assured.
Parameshwara announced a Rs 2.5 lakh cash reward for Kavital Police Station in Raichur district, which was ranked the third-best police station in the country based on multiple parameters, including service to women and public grievance redressal.
He praised the CSR-supported ‘Hygiene on Go’ sanitation vehicles, describing them as a much-needed support system for police personnel working long hours in the field.
