Shivamogga police use drones to crackdown on gambling in forest

Shivamogga: In a first-of-its-kind operation aimed at curbing illegal activities concealed within forested terrain, Shivamogga district police launched a drone-assisted crackdown on Tuesday.Acting on persistent public complaints about illicit rackets operating in remote and inaccessible areas—particularly in Bhadravati taluk—SP B Nikhil directed the use of aerial surveillance to overcome the limitations of conventional monitoring.The operation led to the detection of a large group involved in illegal gambling near a canal in the Kudligere forest range on the outskirts of Bhadravati. Using real-time drone footage, a police team led by the Bhadravati Rural police inspector carried out a targeted raid. As many as 19 people were apprehended, and an FIR was registered at Bhadravati Rural police station.The technology-driven move comes amid growing public frustration and allegations that illegal activities in the Malnad region were thriving due to the area's difficult terrain. Drone surveillance was also carried out in the Ragigudda area on the outskirts of Shivamogga city. While police successfully busted the gambling den in the Kudligere range, residents have demanded similar aerial operations in areas such as Mallapura, Kalyala and Tattehalli, where round-the-clock gambling activities are allegedly taking place.Police hunt for sand transporter over mocking videoIn a separate incident, Hosanagara police are searching for the owner of a sand-laden truck who allegedly mocked police through a video posted on social media. The accused reportedly filmed his truck carrying sand and claimed that it was being escorted by a police emergency response vehicle to Hosanagara police station. The footage was later edited with a cinematic background score, portraying police as providing him personal security.Speaking to TOI, SP B Nikhil said the individual has been absconding for the past week. He warned that attempts to ridicule or undermine police authority on social media will be dealt sternly.