Bengaluru, 30 Sept(H.S.):The Karnataka government is preparing to reorganise Bengaluru City Police along the lines of the Greater Bangalore Authority to strengthen law enforcement and improve administration, with the proposed changes likely to take effect in October.

Sources said the blueprint would come up for final discussions involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the October 1 Cabinet meeting. An official notification is expected shortly afterwards.

Under the proposed structure, five officers of Inspector General of Police rank could be appointed as police commissioners, while an Additional Director General of Police could serve as chief commissioner, sources said.

Several senior officers holding IGP and ADGP ranks are being considered for the proposed leadership positions. Some Deputy Inspectors General who are expected to receive promotions are also reportedly under consideration for appointment as commissioners.

However, creating the chief commissioner’s post could present a legal hurdle because the Karnataka Police Act does not provide for such a position, sources said.

The government may therefore have to promulgate an ordinance amending the Act before establishing the post.

Until the legal requirements are addressed, the five commissioners could function under the supervision of the state’s Director General and Inspector General of Police.

Another option under consideration is to designate the proposed chief commissioner’s position as equivalent to the existing Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s post, sources added.

The restructuring would also require substantial administrative preparations. These include identifying office premises and arranging the infrastructure needed for the proposed commissionerates.

Sources said implementing the new system would involve several logistical challenges, particularly in providing adequate accommodation and facilities for the additional leadership structure.

The Cabinet discussions are expected to clarify the government’s preferred arrangement and how it intends to address the legal and infrastructure requirements before rolling out the proposed changes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman