Alleged differences among the top brass in the State Police spilled on to the streets here on Wednesday, as Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel and family members blocked Hosur Road, set tyres on fire and raised slogans against Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar.
The protest that began during the peak evening hours threw vehicle traffic out of gear, causing misery to commuters.
The KSRP men, who reside in the KSRP III battalion quarters in Adugodi, came out expressing solidarity with the Additional Director-General of Police P. Ravindranath, who is accused of taking photographs of a woman at a coffee shop on Cunningham Road on Monday. On Tuesday, Mr. Ravindranath had accused the Police Commissioner of conspiring against him and subsequently, submitted his resignation which is pending.
It was around 5.30 p.m. when some angry KSRP personnel in civil dress blocked the Hosur Road, seeking the suspension of the Police Commissioner and also Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda. They also urged the State government not to accept the resignation of Mr. Ravindranath.
The protest turned violent after the City Armed Reserve (CAR) was called in to rein in the angry protesters. In the melee, a CAR vehicle was damaged.
Even as tension prevailed in the area, Mr. Ravindranath was chairing a meeting of KSRP battalion commandants inside the KSRP quarters
Meanwhile, Home Minister K.J. George said: “This (protest) is not acceptable in a police force and the State government is monitoring the situation. The government is also thinking of taking suitable action.” Commandant of KSRP I Battalion Sonia Narang, who was at the spot to pacify the protesters, termed the incident as “unprecedented”.
“We are trying to convince our men to return to the barracks,” she said.
Transferred
Meanwhile, the State government transferred Mr. Ravindranathand posted him to the office of the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police immediately.
