Police inspector suspended for misconduct in K'taka
Mangaluru (PTI): A police inspector was placed under suspension on Tuesday after audio and video clips purportedly showing alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a woman surfaced, officials said.
According to a statement issued by the Police Commissioner of Mangaluru city Sudhir Kumar Reddy, multiple complaints had earlier been filed by two women against the inspector. However, officials clarified that both cases are part of larger, unrelated legal disputes.
Police also clarified that these two women are not the same individuals seen in the viral video and audio clips.
Despite the absence of formal complaint from the woman featured in the footage who has declined to file a case so far, authorities noted that the content of the video and audio indicates inappropriate conduct by the officer.
"In view of the questionable behaviour reflected in the material, the inspector has been placed under suspension," the Commissioner said, adding that the women involved have been informed they can record their statements at a later stage if they choose to do so.
Further inquiry into the matter is underway.
Meanwhile, Home Minister G Parameshwara said he spoke to the Mangaluru Police Commissioner immediately and sought a report. Once the report comes, necessary action will be taken.
"I spoke to Mangaluru commissioner and sought for an immediate report regarding the allegations made by the woman and the behaviour of the officer. Commissioner may send the report today, I have asked the ADGP Law and Order to oversee," he told reporters in Bengaluru.
Taking cognisance of this matter, Nagalakshmi Choudhary, Chairperson of Karnataka State Women's Commission said they have written to the Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada.
"I have already spoken to the Commissioner, who informed me that no victim has come forward to lodge a complaint so far. However, we are proceeding with the investigation," she said.
Choudhary said that she also met Parameshwara, who said the police need not wait for any direction from him and can immediately take suo motu action, as they are empowered to initiate the investigation.
"He (Home Minister) has sought a report within two days, after which appropriate action will be taken," she said.
"Every time there is an incident against a woman, the police department seems to wait for the Women's Commission to intervene. Does this reflect on the discipline and responsibility of the police," she added.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
