Did the Suspended SP Attempt Suicide Amid Ballari Violence?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The suspended SP attempted suicide following political and operational pressures.
- Violence in Ballari led to the death of a Congress worker.
- The incident has sparked outrage and accusations against the ruling party.
- Concerns about police mental health and the handling of law enforcement are growing.
- Political leaders are calling for accountability and reform in governance.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events following the violence in Karnataka's Ballari on January 1, the suspended Superintendent of Police (SP) has reportedly attempted to take his own life, allegedly distressed by the Congress-led government's decision to suspend him for negligence linked to the clash that led to the fatal shooting of a Congress member.
The Karnataka BJP reacted by labeling the Congress-led administration as a “murderous government”.
Preliminary reports indicate that the suspended SP, Pavan Nejjur, ingested sleeping pills at a friend's farmhouse located in Baraguru village of Sira taluk in Tumakuru district and was subsequently hospitalized.
The violence unfolded just hours after SP Pavan Nejjur assumed responsibility for Ballari district. This marked his first executive posting after 11 years of service in law enforcement.
While there has been no formal confirmation from his family or the police department, internal sources corroborated the incident, stating that the SP is now out of danger and on the mend after receiving treatment.
In a strong response, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka condemned the Congress-led government during a statement in Bengaluru, branding it a murderous regime.
“The law and order situation in the state has deteriorated. This is a corrupt and deceitful government. Following the shooting incident near the residence of BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy in Ballari, the SP was suspended.
“The SP took charge merely two hours before the incident. It typically takes 15 to 20 days to understand the dynamics of a new district. The gunfire was initiated by Congress members, resulting in the death of their own party member. They had planned to target Janardhana Reddy,” Ashoka asserted.
He accused the government of scapegoating the SP for the crisis, drawing a parallel with the suspension of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner after a tragic stampede that resulted in 11 fatalities, emphasizing that the officer is still under mental strain.
“This government is responsible for creating a system where officials are pressured to the point of suicide. Twelve police officials have reached that tragic end. If the SP can be suspended within two hours, then the Home Minister, who has held office for over two years, and Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan should also face consequences,” he remarked.
“This government offers a ‘suicide guarantee’ to its officials,” Ashoka concluded.
Meanwhile, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H. K. Patil stated that the Ballari SP’s suspension was due to negligence.
When asked whether the officer was being used as a scapegoat, given the rapid suspension, Patil replied that the SP neglected to visit the site of the violence when it erupted.
“He is expected to respond promptly, even within 30 minutes of taking charge,” the minister commented.