Bengaluru, May 28: Deputy Commissioner of police (Bengaluru South) K Annamalai, who is popularly known as 'Singham' of Karnataka, Tuesday resigned from the Indian Police Service, to pursue "public service."
Annamalai met Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy in the presence of state Home Minister M B Patil and informed him about his resignation.
He thanked the chief minister for providing good opportunity to perform his duties. The Chief Minister also wished him the best, a release from the chief minister's office said.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Kumaraswamy, Annamalai said the chief minister insisted that he reconsider his decision as the state was in need of his services, "but I told him I have made my decision, CM then conveyed his best wishes for my future endeavour."
Annamalai said he was not quitting the job because of any political pressure.
He lauded political leaders, including Kumaraswamy and former Chief Minister Siddarmaiah, for giving him the freedom to do his duty.
"The whole state has treated me with respect...I could have worked for a few more days, but some decisions had to be taken..I thank everyone," he added.
Known as "upright", "honest" and "brave" officer, Annamalai was so popular among the people during his stint as SP of Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts that there were protests following his transfer.
On reasons for his decision, Annamalai said, "Have completed ten years in service...I believe an individual can achieve three passions in a lifetime, among them is public service, in the civil service I think I have achieved my scope."
"So I wanted to go outside (of civil service) and do things differently. Right now I haven't taken any decision, will need three-four months time. I will think and take a decision."
Annamalai, a 2011 batch IPS officer hails from Karur in Tamil Nadu. He began his career as an assistant superintendent of police, Karkala sub-division in 2013.
On joining politics, Annamalai said he has not taken any decision and not spoken to any political or politician about it. "I need 3-4 months break."
However, there were reports in the media that he was in touch with some senior RSS functionaries.
Meanwhile, D Roopa Inspector-General of Police, Railways claimed Annamalai is plunging into politics.
"Spoke to Annamalai, IPS .@DCPSouthBCP. He has tendered resignation today.
He is plunging into politics. It requires guts, boldness to leave cushy, secure, hard earned IPS job. Its heartening to see such achievers n (sic) youngsters diving into politics.
Wishing him all the best," she tweeted.
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Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said that the state government has decided to formulate a new policy for footpaths in Bengaluru, under which street vending will not be allowed on main roads and sub-main roads.
Addressing the media after a budget preparation meeting and executive meeting of GBA corporations at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said discussions were held with MLAs from the GBA region regarding the corporations’ budgets and key civic issues.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok also participated in the meeting and shared his views. Officials from multiple departments, including police, BESCOM, BMRCL, BWSSB and BDA, along with ministers and legislators, were present.
He stated that all five municipalities have prepared their individual budgets, while MLAs have submitted their demands, including calls for ward-wise grants.
“We have decided to bring a new policy for footpaths. Citizens are struggling to walk as footpaths are encroached upon by street vendors,” Shivakumar said.
Highlighting the need to balance livelihoods and public convenience, he added that “a separate space will be provided for street vendors, and specific roads will be designated for their business,” ensuring that pedestrians can use footpaths without obstruction. He noted that there was unanimous agreement among MLAs on this approach.
Issuing a warning to vendors, Shivakumar said that authorities will act against those violating the rules. “If vendors operate during the day and leave their carts on the roadside at night, authorities will clear them. People should be aware of this,” he said.
Providing data on street vendors, he said that around 60,000 vendors have registered so far, of which 30,000 have applied for vehicles, and a tender has already been floated.
“Only those with street vendor identity cards will be allowed to do business. Those without ID cards will not be permitted to operate on the streets,” he added.
