Daijiworld Media Network – Chikmagalur (SP)

Chikmagalur, Mar 16: Western range inspector general of police (KGP), Alok Mohan, termed the incident of theft of diesel from the MRPL pipeline from a spot within the jurisdiction of Gonibeedu police station limits within Moodigere taluk in the district, as an organized crime.

The IGP was speaking to the media persons at the office of the district superintendent of police here, during his visit here to investigate the incident in which mutton stalls were set on fire by some miscreants.

“Those involved with the diesel theft have committed the crime in a systematic and organized way. Various people hailing from different districts were involved with this operation. A special team led by Chikmagalur deputy superintendent of police, Vedamurty, has been formed to investigate the case. This team has been provided with the services of the best police personnel from the district, and the team has been striving hard day and night to nail the culprits. However, it will not be possible to set any deadline for the completion of the investigation,” he explained.

He also dismissed the notion that the investigating policemen are under pressure from politicians from Chikmagalur and Hassan districts. He said that everyone concerned is cooperating with the investigation and that once some important persons are caught, more details of the theft will come into the open. Saying that two inspectors, and a sub-inspector of the department have been suspended from service relating to this case, he said that action will be taken against anyone involved with the theft, irrespective of where they belong and what they do.

He expressed confidence that the Uroos planned at Bababudangiri Hills will go on smoothly without any hitches. Clarifying that the department has taken steps to maintain peace in the region, he added that additional forces will be deployed depending on the demands of the situation.