Bengaluru: As the state prepares to roll out dedicated anti-rowdy squads across police stations to crack down on habitual offenders and prevent crime, Kalaburagi, the home district of new home minister Priyank Kharge, has emerged with the highest number of rowdy-sheeters in the state.Data presented during a recent review meeting chaired by chief minister DK Shivakumar showed Kalaburagi accounted for 2,626 rowdies — nearly 9% of the state’s total — putting the district under the lens.However, police officers point out that not every person listed as a rowdy is necessarily a hardened criminal or gang member. Under regulations, rowdy-sheets can be opened against habitual offenders and individuals repeatedly involved in offences such as assault, intimidation, extortion, land disputes, harassment and other activities that could threaten public order.The objective is largely preventive, allowing police to monitor these individuals and deter future offences. Authorities can also invoke provisions under the Goonda Act, externment proceedings and other preventive measures against repeat offenders. Names are periodically reviewed and can be removed after prolonged good conduct.Kalaburagi’s tally is significantly higher than that of other districts. It is followed by Mysuru with 1,871 rowdy sheeters, Hassan (1,612), Dakshina Kannada (1,569) and Raichur (1,566).Of the 2,626 listed rowdies in Kalaburagi, about 1,400 are from rural areas. District police have also booked 81 cases under the Goonda Act over the past three years. However, the figures reveal a steady decline. Kalaburagi had 3,579 rowdies in 2024, which fell to 2,829 in 2025 before declining further this year.Adduru Srinivasulu, Kalaburagi SP, told TOI, “Most of the cases stem from alcoholism and land disputes.” Explaining the reduction, Srinivasulu said, “Cases are reviewed annually. As per protocol, we consider 10 years of conduct of the person before cases are closed.”The declining trend is reflected across the state as well. Data presented at the review meeting showed the number of rowdies falling from 33,388 in 2024 to 29,316 in 2026.Figures show Davanagere has the lowest number of rowdy-sheeters at 468. Other districts with relatively low numbers were Kodagu (475), Bagalkot (503), Gadag (507), Chitradurga (517) and Chamarajanagar (517).However, MA Saleem, Karnataka DGP & IG, said: “The figures presented at the CM’s review meeting may be wrong. Bengaluru city, and not Kalaburagi, has the highest concentration of rowdy-sheeters. Of 37,159 rowdies earlier in the state, 24,741 are active now. One big reason for the reduction is because of the nature of offences — it has moved from physical to social media and cybercrime.”
