Women's panel, female officers condemn saree 'gift' to DG&IGP

The Karnataka State Commission for Women and women staff in the police department have strongly objected to Akhila Karnataka Police Mahasangha President V Shashidhar’s act of sending a ‘gift’ containing a saree, a set of bangles and vermillion to DG&IGP Om Prakash as a mark of protest against the move to suspend the constables going on mass leave on June 4.

Shashidhar on Thursday sent the parcel through speed post. “ It’s my fundamental right to send the items of my choice. I wanted to adopt traditional way to respect DG & IGP for his decision to suspend or dismiss the cops going on mass leave on June 4. I didn’t intend to disrespect women,” Shashidhar told Deccan Herald.

Shashidhar’s act was sharply criticised by Women’s Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa. “ It is an act of disrespecting women. Stringent action should be taken against those indulging in such acts. The Commission strongly condemns the act as it has degraded women and lowered women’s dignity in a civilised society,” she said.

“The act has tarnished the image of women. He could have sent something else,” she added.

Senior advocate Pramila Nesargi echoed similar views. “He thinks that saree, vermillion and bangles indicate weakness, but they are used to denote respect and dignity. Shashidhar has clearly misused his fundamental right,”she added.

A few senior women officers also criticised Shashidhar’s act. “Women have proved their mettle in the department and they can’t be weak just because they are clad in sarees and use bangles and vermillion. Shashidhar act can never be justified,” a senior women IPS officer said.

‘Police manual bars stir’

Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said the Home department has been holding talks with policemen who were planning to stage a protest. None of the personnel from the state police is involved in planning the protest. An outsider by name Shashidar has given a call for the protest. Police personnel are not supposed to protest as per the police manual, he added.