Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jul 11: Woman police sub-inspector of Kumaraswamy Layout police station and four constables, who had stolen two rifles deposited in the police station by citizens and hidden the same stand suspended.

Lady sub-inspector identified as Suma, and constables, Anand Kolekar, Paramananda Koti, Ashok Biradar and Basavaraj Belagavi were suspended by deputy commissioner of police (city south zone), S D Sharanappa, under instructions from additional police commissioner (administration), Nanjunadaswamy.

During the election, people had deposited their firearms in police stations as per rules. The station house officer is responsible for their maintenance and care. Driven by personal enmity and professional rivalry, police sub-inspector, Suma, and four constables had stolen two double barrel rifles from the police station, with the tacit purpose of sullying the image of the station house officer, it is said. After shortage of firearms deposited in the station was detected, internal inquiry was held. At this time, the concerned officials developed cold feet and kept the stolen rifles back in their places.

Sharanappa, who held detailed investigation into the incident, suspended five for dereliction of duty.