'Tough cop' transferred on politician's behest?

DSP of Gulbarga has been transferred for alleged abuse of power and protecting spouse in assault case; others say that irked leader of ruling party is behind the move

Deputy Superintendent of Police of Gulbarga district Madhuraveena ufffd known to be a tough cop ufffd has been transferred, in what is being seen as punishment for abuse of power and protecting her husband from legal action.

However, cops in the area say that she is being transferred for refusing to oblige a request made by a senior leader of the ruling party to release an arrested party worker.



Last Saturday, Ashok Nagar police arrested her husband Veerabhadra and five of his friends for allegedly assaulting two ASI's and a constable near Central bus stand the day before. Madhuraveena, who is the area in-charge allegedly went to the station and abused the officers for arresting her husband, but could not secure his release.

According to senior police officials, she was not allowed to handle the case and was transferred on a temporary basis. However, some police officers believe that she is paying the price for being strict and for not buckling under the pressure of a senior leader of the ruling party, who directed her to release a party worker whom she had arrested for supplying liquor at the recent by-elections.

After refusing the request, she further irked the politician by filing a charge sheet against the party worker.

"When the leaders threatened her with dire consequences for defying their directions, she reported the matter to the then DGP," said a police officer.

Director General and Inspector General of Police, S T Ramesh said, "Madhuraveena has not been transferred, but shifted to a temporary position since her husband is involved in a criminal case."

Ramesh added that since she cannot handle the case, they have asked for another officer to take up the investigations. She has been indicted for abuse of power in protecting her husband in a case of high-handedness and has been shifted from A division to the office of IGP Northeast Range in Gulbarga. When contacted, Madhuraveena refused to comment on the issue.

The case
Veerabhadra, who owns a mobile phone outlet, was arrested last weekend, for assaulting head-constable Bhimappa for refusing for not acknowledging who Veerabhadra's wife was. ASI's Sayabanna and Tayanna were also allegedly assaulted by Veerabhadra and five others when they arrived at the spot to arrest him, following which a complaint was filed.