Former Police Commissioner Critiques Karnataka Home Ministers Comments on RSS

Bengaluru, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Retired police commissioner Bhaskar Rao has raised concerns about recent statements made by Karnataka’s Home Minister Priyank Kharge regarding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In a letter addressed to Kharge, Rao urged him to refrain from undermining the reputation of the Home Department and to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Karnataka Police.

Rao specifically took issue with Kharge’s remarks related to the murders of Narendra Dabholkar, M.M. Kalburgi, and Gauri Lankesh. He criticized Kharge for suggesting that “those from the Sangh killed them,” labeling the statement as highly irresponsible. Rao emphasized that such sweeping allegations cannot be made for political gain.

He pointed out that criminal investigations should be evidence-based, with conclusions drawn through judicial processes. A person in a responsible public position must understand the distinction between political accusations, investigative findings, and judicial rulings.

Furthermore, Rao stated that the Home Minister cannot act as a spokesperson for specific criminal investigations, cannot prematurely announce conclusions in pending cases, and should not influence public perception of ongoing investigations through personal political opinions.

Addressing Kharge’s use of social media, Rao questioned the credibility of the so-called “fact-checking” agency when the Home Minister himself disseminates questionable information. He highlighted a recent incident involving an AI-altered image shared from an official account that attempted to link the accused in a Bihar-Haryana ammunition smuggling case to the RSS. This raised doubts about the authenticity of the image, which was later scrutinized in reports.

Rao remarked that it is contradictory for the government to emphasize the need for fact-checking while failing to hold itself accountable to the same standards. He urged Kharge to strengthen institutions rather than weaken their credibility with irresponsible public statements.

The people of Karnataka expect their Home Minister to bolster institutional integrity rather than diminish it through careless remarks. Regardless of the ruling political party, the police department must remain professional, impartial, and accountable to the Constitution and the rule of law.

In closing, Rao requested that Kharge exercise restraint, maintain the dignity of his office, and focus on enhancing police administration. The Home Minister should be a source of trust for both the police force and the public.