No friends, only opportunists, in force, say Karnataka police officials

Bengaluru: Even as there is a political uproar at the suicide of former deputy superintendent of police, Mangaluru, M.K. Ganapati, who alleged that he was being targeted and harassed by Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George, ADGP, Intelligence, A.M. Prasad and IGP, Lokayukta, Pronab Mohanty – officers in the police department – are at a loss on how to work in an atmosphere which is vitiated by lack of trust, discipline and is further marred by witch hunting.

“There are no friends in the police department. There are opportunists, who can use every opportunity to settle scores with their colleagues. Often, officers have found themselves helpless and alone, when faced with a difficult situation. On the professional front, there is a total lack of control on subordinates. The head of the police force cannot even transfer a lower rung functionary because of immense political interest and interference. The inspectors, deputy superintendents of police and even their supervisory officers have political godfathers with whom they have a quid pro quo relationship. An inspector is under immense pressure from elected representatives to settle their benami land and other deals. They in turn are rewarded with plum postings,” said an officer on condition of anonymity. The Police Establishment Board (PEB), created under the direction of the Supreme Court on police reforms, is eyewash.

“The transfer list is dictated by MLAs. It cannot be altered. The theory of reward and punishment does not exist in the police force. Neither do we have the power to take action against an errant officer nor can we reward a deserving officer with even a good post,” the officer added.