Reprieve for DGP
BENGALURU
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified that the suspension of DGP Ramachandra Rao in connection with the alleged obscene video case has been withdrawn as the officer is set to retire later this month.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara said the suspension was revoked with the approval of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He stated that Ramachandra Rao had submitted an explanation to the Chief Minister and requested that his pensionary benefits be settled before retirement while allowing the investigation to continue.
“The suspension has been withdrawn since he is retiring at the end of this month. The officer had appealed for settlement of pension benefits before retirement and requested continuation of the investigation,” the Home Minister said.
Parameshwara added that he was aware of the matter but refrained from commenting on whether the suspension decision was right or wrong. “This issue falls under the jurisdiction of the DPAR and the Chief Minister. They have taken the decision,” he said.
The minister, however, made it clear that the investigation into the alleged obscene video case would continue until its completion. He said the government would take further action based on the final investigation report.
“We have seen many cases where pension benefits were withheld even after retirement. A decision regarding this case will be taken after the inquiry is completed and the final report is submitted,” he said.
Meanwhile, Parameshwara also addressed reports regarding the shifting of an IPL match from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Rejecting allegations of security concerns, he said there had been no issues during the five matches already conducted in Bengaluru.
“There has been no complaint from IPL authorities, Royal Challengers Bengaluru or the Karnataka State Cricket Association regarding security arrangements,” he said.
Explaining the commercial reasons behind the venue shift, the minister said Bengaluru’s stadium has an official capacity of around 33,000 seats, of which a significant number are reserved for VIPs, sponsors and the visiting team. “Only around 22,000 seats remain for sale. From a commercial point of view, it may not be viable for them, whereas Ahmedabad has a stadium with nearly one lakh seats,” he said.
Parameshwara also dismissed allegations linking the shift to free passes given to MLAs. “What connection does that have? Giving a few passes cannot become the reason for shifting a match,” he said.
