Police inspector accused of misconduct suspended

Mangaluru: Mangaluru City police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has placed a Moodubidire police inspector Sandesh under suspension following allegations of misconduct.Referring to a probe conducted by the ACP, Mangaluru North subdivision, after a woman accused the officer of seeking either a bribe or sexual favours, the commissioner stated on Tuesday that the complainant also made a statement to the media. He noted that there are ongoing family disputes between the woman and her sister, with two cases registered against each of them, including one involving the inspector. Except for one case currently under investigation, the others have been stayed by the high court.On allegations made by another woman in the media against the inspector, the commissioner said there are four cases registered against her husband, who has been acquitted in one of them. In another case, both she and her husband are accused of misusing funds collected for the kidney treatment of a poor person, and a chargesheet has been filed after evidence was gathered. He stated that no evidence of harassment by the inspector has been found in her case. The location where she alleged misconduct and sought bribe is covered by CCTV cameras, and two mediapersons and a lawyer who were present at the time have denied any such demand for money or harassment.The commissioner further clarified that the women who spoke to the media are not the same individuals seen in the viral video and audio clips. The footage and audio, however, show the inspector engaging in questionable behaviour and speaking inappropriately to a woman over the phone.Both women seen in the clips have declined to file formal complaints but have been informed that they may record their statements at a later stage. In view of the contents of the video and audio, which indicate inappropriate conduct towards women, the inspector has been placed under suspension. The commissioner said that a detailed inquiry will follow. Meanwhile, Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson Shashidhar S Kosambe has taken suo motu cognisance following the circulation of the audio clip related to the incident.