Karnataka: Failure in intel collection Chief transferred to Anti-Corruption Bureau

Bengaluru: While alleged irregularities at the Parappana Agarahara Central Prison have resulted in the transfer of its two top officials, they have had collateral damage with DGP M. N. Reddi, the chief of the state’s intelligence wing, too being transferred on Monday.

The prime reason for his transfer, however, is said to be the failure of the intelligence unit in connection with the recent violence and communal clashes in Dakshina Kannada and Mangaluru district.

Mr Reddi, who is also an aspirant to become the state police chief after the DG&IGP R K. Dutta, retires in October, has been posted as the Director General of Police of the Anti-Corruption Bureau in the upgraded post. IGP of the intelligence wing, Amrit Paul, has been placed in additional charge of his post.

It is said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was upset with Mr Kempaiah, advisor to the Home Minister, and Mr Reddi for not containing and getting information about the communal clashes. He had reportedly questioned both of them on why the police department did not have information prior to the violence and also why they failed in assessing the situation even as the clashes erupted. The chief minister was also reportedly thinking of transferring P. Harisekaran, IGP of the Western range, for failing to contain the situation.

Before the issue died down, the allegations of irregularities at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison came as a jolt to the government. This apparently made the chief minister angry on the functioning style of both Mr Kempaiah and Mr Reddi.

After the alleged prison irregularities hit headlines, the CM reportedly called both and gave them an earful for their failure in both the cases. Just two to three days after this, the government has issued orders transferring Mr Reddi.