Bereaved wife of martyred PSI Mallikarjun Bande, Mallamma alleged that the inspector general of police of the North Eastern Range, Mohamed Wazir Ahmed, was responsible for her husband’s death.
Speaking to reporters in Khajuri village, Mallamma said: “If he (Wazir Ahmed) had not put a restriction on opening fire at the rowdy, my husband would have not lost his life.” She added that the IGP used to harass Bande by transferring him often and had conspired to suspend him from the service.
“Knowing well that he (Bande) had not worn a bullet-proof vest, the IGP, who was also present at the spot, ordered Bande to restrict fire,” she alleged.
Public outcry
Even the public of Gulbarga district were enraged against the IGP, and demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. Some of the protesters pelted stones at cars of home minister KJ George and deputy commissioner NV Prasad.
Condemning the absence of district-in-charge minister Qumar-ul-Islam, the protesters held the IGP and Islam responsible for Bande’s death.
“Wazir Ahmed has dropped 11 people from the list of criminals since last November,” one of them said. Gangappa, a senior citizen, alleged that there were some ulterior motives behind declining to airlift Bande to a hospital in the UK for better treatment.
“Following the shootout, though Bande was severely injured, the IGP carried Munna to the hospital first and then, for the sake of formality, he took Bande,” he added.
George promises action
Home minister KJ George assured a comprehensive investigation over the suspicious role of IGP Wazir Ahmed in the incident. He added that he will discuss with chief minister about handing over the case to the CBI.
He also assured that Bande’s name will be recommended for bravery award at national level. “As last date for Republic day award is over, we will recommend Bande’s name for the award that will be presented in October,” he stated.
Condolence meetings
Condolence meetings were held in all 13 districts of North Karnataka region. Two minutes’ silence was observed in all police stations of the North range. Hubli unit of National Students’ Union of India offered a candle light vigil to a portrait of Bande.
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