Minister, seniors, drive Karnataka policeman to dramatic suicide

“I swear on God, those three are responsible for my death”. That is what MK Ganapati, a policeman in Karnataka told a TV channel on Thursday evening. A while later, he hanged himself. 

 

MK Ganapati, 51, deputy superintendent of police of Mangaluru IG office committed suicide, wearing his uniform, in a lodge in Madikeri on Thursday evening.

 

Before committing suicide, he spoke to the media and explained the torture he underwent during the service. He has said that KJ George, the ex-home minister, AM Prasad, ADGP Intelligence and Pranab Mohanti, Lokayukta IGP will be responsible for his death, in case of such an event.

“The governance is completely wrecked. This is no work environment for honest officers in the department. Any officer who refuses to collect hafta for his superiors will be targeted and are tortured” – Jagadish Shettar, Opposition leader.

“I have worked with MK Ganapati when he was a sub-inspector. His actions to control communal riots have always been a model to the police department. Recently I had heard the rumours that he is undergoing with many pressure from his superiors” – a colleague of MK Ganapati.

Ganapati is said to have asked a local television channel to telecast his confession. The local police got to know of the meeting and went to stop the interview but by the time they reached the venue, Ganapati had already left the place. They then went to the lodge, but he was already dead by then. Ganapati had hanged himself.

 

MK Ganapati of Somwarpet, Coorg, started his service in 1985 as a sub-inspector. He served in Puttur, Bantval, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Bengaluru. About two months ago, he was transferred to Mangaluru IG office. Ganapati was also a national-level volleyball player.

 

He came to Madikeri on Thursday at noon, booked a room in Vinayaka Lodge, spoke to the media in detail and went back to his room, where he hung himself.

“This is unfortunate. I have obtained primary information. The reason behind this suicide is not yet clear. I will order for investigation” – Dr. G Parameshwara, Home Minister

“I have not received any complaint from MK Ganapati with regard to his allegations of torture and exploitation from his seniors. Once he met me to discuss about his promotion. After the promotion he was working in Mangalore. I don’t know the reason for this suicide” – Om Prakash, DG

It seems he had decided to commit suicide while booking the room at the lodge. Before registering the room, he asked the staff of the lodge if there was a ceiling fan in the room. He had also brought a rope with him. His service revolver was kept on the bed. The police infer that he may have thought of shooting himself with his service revolver but has changed his mind and hanged himself.

 

His brother Tammayya is also a DySP in Ramnagar district. As soon as he came to know about his brother’s suicide he had asked the Madikeri police not to break open the door of the lodge room till he arrived.

 

It is again proved that the Karnataka police are working under stress and insecurity. Recently the police had decided to take mass leave as a mark of protest. A few days ago, another DySP Kallappa Handibag committed suicide. Karnataka has now witnessed the suicide of two senior police officers within a week.

What Ganapati told the television channel:

• In 2008 a church was demolished in Mangaluru. Subsequently, massive communal riots broke there. At that time I was serving in the Kadri police station. I tried in every way to control the riot and maintain law and order. I had filed cases against many culprits who were responsible for the riots. But when the Congress came to power the issue of this communal riot was discussed and KJ George, the then Home minister, tried to manipulate the case. I refused to cooperate and they filed a fake encounter case against me. Consequently, I was suspended and transferred without even a departmental enquiry.
• AM Prasad, the IG of Mangaluru used to get me to do his personal work. He also demanded bribes from me. When I refused he continuously tortured me. Even after my transfer to Bengaluru, his vengeance and hatred continued.
• The then IGP Pranab Mohanti also demanded bribes from me when I was working in the Madivala police station in Bengaluru. When I refused, he filed fake encounter cases against me with regard to the Mangaluru communal riots.

 

Suvarna News tried to communicate KJ George over telephone but his mobile was switched off. His assistants also did not inform about where he was. The post mortem will be held at 10 a.m. ion Friday.