Ace IPS officer Annamalai puts in papers

After a stellar career, IPS officer K Annamalai, who was feared by criminals and loved by people, put in his papers on Tuesday, fuelling speculations that the ace policeman was eyeing politics.

“I felt proud wearing this khaki. But I always believe that we can do a lot of things. Many people while resigning feel sad about it but I am happy and feel proud,” he said after resigning as DCP (Bengaluru South).

The IPS officer, referred to as the ‘Singham’ of Karnataka, said in nine years of his service he had lived “every moment of khaki”.

“Last year, my visit to Kailash Mansarovar was an eye opener as it helped me to see my priorities better. Madhukar Shetty’s death in a way made me to reexamine my own life. All good things had to come to an end and I have decided now that my time in khaki is done,” he said.

On whether he would join politics, Annamalai said he had not spoken to any political party and will not join any party. “Even before coming to Bengaluru from Chikkamagaluru, I had plans to quit but waited for the Lok Sabha elections to complete. I want to be a normal person from tomorrow,” he said.

However, he didn’t rule out the possibility. “I don’t see politics in a negative way. Watching them (politicians) on television and movies is different. I hold them in respect. We will see,” he said.

He said he was writing a book and also thinking about starting a company. “There are a lot of unemployed youths and I am thinking of doing something for them by creating jobs by starting a skill-based company,” he said.

A 2011 batch IPS officer, Annamalai hails from Karur in Tamil Nadu. He began his career as an assistant superintendent of police in Karkala sub-division in 2013. He later served as superintendent of police in Udupi and Chikmagalur districts, where he earned the love of the people. Protests were held when he was transferred from Udupi.

“For the past five years, I had taken only 21 leaves but I have lots of respect for the service. I want to be with public 24/7,” he said.

Annamalai, who submitting his resignation to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, said the chief minister tried to convince him to take back his resignation. “I told him that it is purely my personal decision. The government has finally honoured my decision,” he said.