10 epic failures of Karnataka's home ministry

With a growing number of policemen either quitting the force or committing suicide, Home minister G Parameshwara's efficiency to handle the department's needs is in sharp focus.

Here are 10 occasions that reflect the minister's lack of administrative know-how

1. DySP Anupama Shenoy resignation 

The police officer had alleged that some politicians and ministers were interfering in police matters and using the department for their personal interests. But home minister and the cabinet let the matter slide until it blew up in their faces.

2. Mass police protest 

When the Karnataka state police decided to go on a mass leave as a symbol of protest, the home ministry stopped them by threatening to dismiss those who weren't on duty. The minister had assured better facilities for the uniformed men. However, none of those promises were fulfilled.

3. Gang wars

 A gang war, which took place on June 22 in Shivajinagar, left a policeman injured and claimed the lives of two men. Also, illegal country guns were discovered to be available for sale across the city.     

4. C Shikha incident

 A politician abused and threatened Mysuru deputy commissioner C Shikha in public. She lodged a complaint against him, but no action was taken. 

5. Tipu Sultan Jayanti riots

 The 2015 celebration of Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary, celebrated in November, triggered massive protests and riots in Madikeri. One Vishwa Hindu Parishad worker was killed in the riot. The home department was criticised for its failure to handle the situation.

6. Mysore RSS worker murdered

 An RSS worker was murdered in March 2016. However, even three months after the murder, there haven't been any developments in the police investigation. 

7. Media threatened

Following the mass police protest led by Shashidhar, the home minister held a press conference in which he threatened journalists saying, "If you are a sympathiser of Shashidhar, then we are ready to imprison you also along with him." 

8. Illegal sand mafia

Public Works Department minister HC Mahadevappa’s son Sunil Bose was allegedly involved in a sand mafia deal which was controlled by the local police. So far, the home department has not conducted any enquiries on the matter. 

9. DySP Kallappa Handibag Suicide

 It was alleged that SP Santhosh Babu was responsible for Handibag's suicide. But the Home department has not taken any action against the SP. 

10. Political interference in police matters

The department was accused of favouritism while posting officers to their respective constituencies.