Bengaluru police constable suspended after thief wears his uniform during custody
Bengaluru: A police constable in Bengaluru has been suspended for negligence after a habitual offender in his custody was found wearing his uniform during a video call with his wife.
Constable Sonare H. R., posted at Govindapura police station, was suspended after investigators discovered that Saleem Sheikh, also known as Bombay Saleem, had worn his uniform last year. Saleem has over 50 theft cases against him and is part of a gang, according to the police.
The incident came to light during an Indiranagar police investigation into a theft reported on June 23 this year. CCTV footage and other evidence linked Saleem to the crime. Police traced him to Pune, where he was arrested and brought back to Bengaluru. He was accused of stealing jewellery, sarees, and other valuables.
While examining Saleem’s phone, investigators found a screenshot from a WhatsApp video call in which he was wearing a police uniform. When questioned, Saleem said he had worn the uniform to impress his wife during a call.
Police later learned that during his arrest by the Govindapura police last year, Saleem had been taken outside Bengaluru to recover stolen property. While staying at a hotel, Sonare and another constable went out shopping, leaving Saleem locked in the room. During that time, Saleem put on Sonare’s uniform, which had been left in the room.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Devaraja D. said the act amounted to negligence, leading to Sonare’s suspension.
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Guv Gehlot wants hate speech and hate crimes bill shelved, says Minister Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday alleged that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has referred the Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill to the President Droupadi Murmu to dump it in cold storage.
According to the Bill, any expression which is made, published or circulated in words, either spoken or written or by signs or by visible representations or through electronic communication or otherwise, in public view, with an intention to cause injury, disharmony or feelings of enmity or hatred or ill-will against person alive or dead, class or group of persons or community, to meet any prejudicial interest, is hate speech.
The bill seeks at least seven years jail term and a maximum penalty of Rs one lakh.
The bill was passed by both the Houses during the winter session in Belagavi and was sent to Gehlot towards the end of December 2025.
Speaking to reporters here, Parameshwara said the Governor has questioned 28 points in bill and has referred it to the President.
"If the President sends back to us with her observations, then we will do something and send it again (for gubernatorial assent)," he said.
The minister explained that the bill was brought consciously and not just like that.
"We have freedom of speech, but that does not mean that one can say anything. We have to see how it impacts our society. Hence, the bill was introduced," he sought to know.
According to him, there were instances of hate speech, which made the government think of bringing a law.
Targeting the BJP, he said, "If you (BJP) still say that this is not proper, then what are your motives? Should it mean that anyone can abuse anyone? Should we allow any disturbance in society?"
He alleged that the Governor wants this bill is never implemented.
"In my opinion, the Governor has intentionally referred it to the President, so that it does not come into effect. He wants it to be shelved forever," Parameshwara said.
When reporters asked him that the same is happening in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, he said, "Let's see what happens in the coming days. I think things will improve."
