Godfather of Bangalore police department

Inspector Lokeshwar'su00a0 links with Yeddyurappa and his sons have ensured that he can get even his seniors to dance to his tunes; He is now allegedly trying to curry favour with CM Sadananda as well

The hurried shuffling of feet and clicking of boots followed with crisp salutes by personnel of all ranks at police stations across the city or country could only mean one thing -- a senior officer has just walked in. However, at the Upparpet police station, one man rules the roost whether an ACP walks into the station or a DCP. Meet Inspector Lokeshwar, who appears mild at first, but today is being rechristened as the godfather of the Bangalore Police Department. Be it transfer mediations or solving problems at the DCP level -- every officer in the department mark their salutations to the man.


Jishu Dev Malakar

Senior level officials, who were transferred on short notice, go on record for the first time accepting that this unnatural trend does exist within the department. In an exclusive with MiD DAY, former commissioner of police Shankar Bidari said that he is disappointed by the supremacy of a junior level cop in making big decisions.

"This is not a good trendu00a0 and I feel bad about it. A personal principle that I've maintained is not to directly interact with inspectors, DIGs or SPs. I have heard horrid stories within the department that even DGs are subservient to Lokeshwar," Bidari said. Sources revealed that Lokeshwar is the ultimate solution to all problems within the department, whether personal or professional.

"He is very helpful, and is respected within the department. Even ACPs and DCPs, who are in much senior positions salute him because of his close connections with former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and his sons. He is now getting chummy with CM Sadananda Gowda as well," sources in senior positions said.

Touch-and-go?
A source also added that the recent shuffle within the department was done at his behest. "Dayanand, who was recently appointed as the Joint Commissioner (East division) has been eyeing the position since the days he was a cop in Mangalore. Alok Kumar, who was earlier the Joint Commissioner, irked the government and was transferred," added sources.

Questioned about the same, Alok Kumar, who is now heading the Anti-Naxal Force of the state, claimed that there were certain issues with the said inspector.u00a0"Whether he had a role to play in any transfer is now immaterial to me. I did not succumb to any governmental pressure during my stint. I had no disagreements with the government, but they transferred me. I am personally satisfied with my tenure because I do not work under influence," he said.

Calling the shots
A seemingly humble Lokeshwar gloated while speaking to MiD DAY and claimed that he is pleased that people know of his power. He said that it is all a communication tactic and that from the onset he has maintained a good rapport with senior government officials, which had always worked in his favour when police officers of all levels approach him with a problem.

"The CM and his office ask me for recommendations and suggestions and I choose apt officers for the vacant position and refer them," he said. However, questioned about the role he played in Shankar Bidari and Alok Kumar's transfers, he sang a different tune.

"The transfers happened because they had to. I am not competent enough to fight against them. What would I have gained by removing them from plum positions? I just help the officers who come to me with requests and fulfill their needs in whatever way I can," Lokeshwar added.

Hidden meanings?
He further said, "Several senior officials are expecting promotions currently, so let us wait and see if that happens." The inspector added that one should read between the lines. Meanwhile, Bidari fumed at the way the department is presently functioning and voiced his disappointment.

"I never hovered around politicians when I was in power, but if someone seeks personal gain by doing so, what can be done? I knew what was happening, but no one can question the government after they have made a decision. Had they sent me to a graveyard to protect it, I would have accepted that too," he fumed.

Bidari added that if the CM makes his decisions based on the word of an inspector, it is a bad trend. He however said that it was the government's job to take decisions and his duty to abide.