IPS officers claim they were 'unaware' of Sharma's letter

There was a mixed response from IPS officers to the letter written by ADGP Dr R P Sharma, highlighting how 'political interference was killing the morale' of the state police force.

Dr Sharma the president of IPS (Karnataka) Association. In a letter to Chief Secretary K Ratna Prabha on March 8, Dr Sharma mentioned that even investigations in important cases are hijacked by politicians, among several other issues that are affecting the police force.

A majority of IPS officers who spoke to DH on condition of anonimity pointed that Dr Sharma's views were personal, while a few stated that the officer was telling the truth.  

D Roopa, IGP and Additional Commandant General (Home Guards) said that none of the IPS officers knew about the letter.

"Most of the IPS officers in the association including me were not even aware of this kind of a letter written by the president to chief secretary. We are not party to it (letter).''

A senior ADGP said that Dr Sharma has misused the letter-head of the association. "He can not write a letter to chief secretary without consulting the members of the association. This is rubbish, he has no right to misuse the association's name to express his personal views. If he really want to become a hero, let him write a letter on his own, why spoil the name of the association,'' the officer said.

Another officer said Sharma, who has been president of the association for the last two years, has never conducted a meeting with any IPS officer.