‘Can’t Stop Migrants from Coming’: Karnataka Home Minister Responds to Crime Concerns

‘Can’t Stop Migrants from Coming’: Karnataka Home Minister Responds to Crime Concerns

Bengaluru, April 14 – Amid rising public concern over migrant labourers' alleged involvement in serious crimes, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Monday that the government will soon hold a joint meeting of the Home and Labour departments to explore monitoring mechanisms and preventive steps.

Addressing reporters, Parameshwara emphasized that migration to Karnataka—especially to its rapidly growing capital, Bengaluru—is inevitable. "We cannot stop the workforce coming to Karnataka from other states, especially with Bengaluru developing so fast," he said. "But when crimes happen, we have to take note and act accordingly."

The Minister’s statement comes in the wake of two disturbing cases that have reignited the debate around crime and migration in the state:

• In Hubballi, a five-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by 35-year-old Ritesh Kumar, a native of Patna, Bihar. During a police-led evidence collection operation, Kumar reportedly attacked officers and was shot dead in what authorities claim was self-defence. A senior official has been appointed to probe the circumstances of the police firing.

• In Bengaluru, police arrested Abhishek Kumar, also from Bihar, for the rape and murder of a six-year-old girl in Hoysala Nagar. The incident occurred while the child’s parents were away, with Kumar allegedly taking advantage of the opportunity.

“These are ghastly incidents,” Parameshwara said, confirming that internal reviews and investigations are underway. He noted that while many migrants contribute productively to Karnataka’s economy, incidents like these cannot be ignored.

The upcoming meeting with Labour Minister Santosh Lad aims to chart out a coordinated approach for monitoring migrant workers, possibly including improved registration, ID verification, and collaboration with employers.

While some residents and political observers have demanded stricter controls on migrant labor, others caution against framing migration as the root cause of crime, urging the state to balance law enforcement with inclusive governance.