The Hindu : Karnataka News : Probe will help clear doubts: Bharani

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 09, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Probe will help clear doubts: Bharani

By Our Staff Correspondent

MANGALORE, FEB. 8. The Government's decision to order an inquiry into the killing of two naxalites by the police at Menasinahadya village in Chikmagalur district has evoked a guarded response from the police. In response to the demand by the Citizens' Initiative for Peace, the Government has directed the Development Commissioner, Chiranjeev Singh, to conduct the inquiry.

The Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order), Subash Bharani, told The Hindu on the telephone that some people have expressed doubts about the police version of the incident. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in the Government ordering an inquiry since it will help clear the doubts raised.

`Will restore credibility'

Mr. Bharani said the Government's decision, far from demoralising the police, will help in restoring the credibility of not only those involved in the encounter but also the whole department. "An impartial probe by a non-policeman will only help bring out the facts of the case. I am sure that the probe will acquit the men involved," he said.

"Many organisations have claimed that the naxalites were killed in a fake encounter. People are entitled to express their opinion in a democracy. When they do not have belief in what the police have to say, it is better to conduct a thorough probe and clear their doubts," he said.

Asked if the operations against the naxalites will continue, Mr. Bharani said, "The Government has not asked us to stand down. In fact, the only confusion in this regard is whether or not the Special Task Force will be involved in the process or not. The Chief Minister has clarified the Government's stand in this regard, and this will in no way stop or hinder regular policing."

Asked about the reported warning issued by the naxalites of reprisals against the killing of two of their colleagues, he said the department is fully prepared for it. "We have faced such threats in the past as well."

Reports denied

Mr. Bharani scotched reports in a section of the press that Rajendra Kumar Kataria, Deputy Commissioner, and B.K. Singh, Superintendent of Police, Chikmagalur district, disagree over support to the movement. The reports said that while the Superintendent of Police had claimed that the people support the police, Mr. Kataria reportedly said it is not the entire truth.

"I have watched them in action closely for a week during the recent Datta Jayanti celebrations in Chikmagalur district. They work in tandem and in unison. The rapport between them is excellent. I hope that all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police work like them. The report must be a case of misunderstanding on the part of certain mediapersons," Mr. Bharani said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka