Madam Commissioner,

Mysuru has long taken pride in being different — calmer, cultured and safer than most cities of comparable size. That belief, however, is now being tested — not by rumours or social media panic, but by a visible and deeply unsettling rise in violent crime, anti-social activities and an unrelenting drug menace.

This open letter is written not out of hostility, but out of genuine civic concern.

Recent murders, repeated attempts to murder and the increasing brazenness of criminal elements are no longer isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a larger breakdown in deterrence.

Citizens are no longer merely reading crime reports; they are adjusting daily routines, restricting movement and living with a quiet but persistent fear.

That should concern all of us.

Questions that deserve public answers

As the Police Commissioner of Mysuru, you are accountable not only to the system but to every citizen who steps out trusting the law to protect them. In that spirit, the following questions merit clarity:

What concrete preventive measures has the Police Department implemented in response to the recent spate of murders and violent crimes? Investigations after incidents are essential — but prevention is the true measure of effective policing.

Why do known anti-social elements continue to operate openly in certain areas? Many offenders are familiar faces to residents. Why does enforcement appear reactive rather than sustained?

What is the Department’s long-term strategy to dismantle the drug network? Arrests are announced, yet drugs remain easily accessible — especially to the youth. Where is the disruption of supply chains?

How does the Department justify the persistent staff shortage? Overworked personnel, delayed response times and thin night patrols are increasingly common citizen experiences.

Why has the Udayagiri Police Station still not been operationalised? In a sensitive and densely populated area, delays in strengthening policing infrastructure only heightens public anxiety.

These are not political questions. They are questions of public safety.

Here are some suggestions from a concerned citizen (offered in the interest of collective safety and well-being):

Restore fear of the law through visibility

Foot patrols, bike patrols and consistent beat policing — especially during late evenings — must become routine. Criminals fear presence more than punishment.

Make prevention the priority, not publicity

Monitoring history-sheeters, tracking repeat offenders and acting on intelligence before crimes occur will save lives. Arrests after murders may make headlines, but they do not prevent tragedy.

Treat the drug crisis as an emergency

The drug problem demands sustained, intelligence-led operations — not sporadic raids. Schools, colleges, lodges, bars and transport hubs require continuous monitoring. Informers must feel protected, not exposed.

Rebuild trust through genuine community policing

Ward-level Police-Citizen meetings with documented follow-ups can restore confidence. Clearly identified Nodal Officers for each locality would improve accountability and communication.

Address manpower burnout transparently

Until recruitment gaps are filled, smarter deployment, better shift management and technology-driven policing must compensate for shortages.

Protect the most vulnerable first

Women, children and senior citizens must feel safe after dusk. If they do not, the system is failing — regardless of crime statistics.

Embrace transparency as strength

Regular public updates on crime trends, actions taken and operational challenges will build trust. Citizens can accept limitations — but not silence.

Mysuru at a crossroads

Madam Commissioner, this city must never wake up to say, “Mysuru used to be safe.” Fear should not become normal and crime must not fade into the background noise.

Leadership is defined not only by how efficiently crimes are solved, but by how effectively they are prevented.

This letter is an appeal from a citizen who believes Mysuru deserves better and that its Police force, with urgency and intent, is capable of delivering it. The city is watching. More importantly, the city is hoping.

Respectfully,

— Anthony Haslaunger Willi, A concerned citizen, Mysuru, 2.2.2026

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