Over half of the 180 CCTV cameras installed in the city and surrounding areas under various schemes to aid the police in criminal investigations are currently non-functional, revealed Police Commissioner Yada Martin Marbanyang during a press briefing on Thursday. He assured reporters that efforts are underway to repair the malfunctioning cameras.
Commissioner Marbanyang shared this information while speaking at the Police Commissioner’s office. Under the Smart City scheme, 280 CCTV cameras have been installed in the city and suburbs, but only 110 are operational, while 170 need to be in order. Of the 60 cameras set up by the police, 50 are working, and repairs are being carried out on the remaining 10.
A letter has been sent to the Smart City Department, which is responsible for maintaining these cameras, as well as the command center that monitors them, to address the issues.
Journalists raised concerns over the rising number of thefts in Belagavi city and its suburbs, questioning the police’s effectiveness in preventing such crimes. The commissioner responded by noting that there have been no major settlements recently and that the police are now fully focused on investigating criminal cases. He highlighted successes in cracking eight theft cases, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the recovery of 133 grams of gold valued at ₹9.3 lakh, 458 grams of silver worth ₹50,000, three motorcycles, and a Panipuri cart.
Commissioner Marbanyang also mentioned ongoing actions against drug traffickers, including the seizure of 509 grams of marijuana and heroin in Tilakwadi, with the contraband reportedly sourced from Goa. He added that investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain. Furthermore, action has been taken against a lodge driver in connection with a prostitution case, and four individuals on the police blacklist have had their bonds frozen. Deputy Commissioner Rohan Jagdish was also present at the briefing.
Journalists pressed the commissioner on issues of corruption, alleging that some officers were colluding with operators of gambling dens and had accepted bribes, such as an iPhone from a Matka operator. In response, the commissioner vowed to investigate these allegations and take necessary action. Other concerns raised included inadequate night patrolling, the conduct of autorickshaw drivers, and traffic management challenges.
