The government has taken exception to the letter written by Additional Director-General of Police R.P. Sharma to Chief Secretary Ratna Prabha in his capacity as the president of IPS Officers’ (Karnataka) Association, expressing concern over attacks on public servants, and alleged rise in crime.
Sources in the office of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he held a meeting on Sunday night with Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, and Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DG&IG) Neelamani N. Raju over the issue. Sources said the Chief Minister was upset with the letter and made it clear that discipline should be maintained in the department, and no officer should violate discipline.
Most members of the IPS have already distanced themselves from the letter stating that it was Mr. Sharma’s personal view, and they differed from it. Mr. Sharma, last Thursday, shot off a letter to Ms. Prabha stating that the attack on the Lokayukta and on IAS officers in the recent past were lapses by the police. He had also sought a meeting to be convened by the Chief Secretary.
Sources said if any disciplinary action against Mr. Sharma has to be initiated, the call has to be taken by Mr. Siddaramaiah since he also holds the portfolio of Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference on Monday, Mr. Ramalinga Reddy downplayed the letter. “It is not a serious issue and there are no serious problems in the department. The government is maintaining a cordial relationship with IPS officers,” he said. When his views were sought on the future course of action, he said since the letter was written to the Chief Secretary, she will have to decide on the matter.
While the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president G. Parameshwara refused to comment on the issue since he was not aware of the contents of the letter, Leader of Opposition Jagadish Shettar said honest officials are unable to discharge their duties. “The fact the Mr. Sharma has written to the Chief Secretary is evidence of maladministration. Mr. Siddaramaiah’s government has finished the Lokayukta, and Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy has not been effective,” he added.
