No central deputation for Dharmasthala SIT chief yet: HM Parameshwara

Bengaluru: Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified on Friday that senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty is not going on central deputation anytime soon. 

Mohanty, a 1994-batch Karnataka-cadre officer, is the Director General of Police, Internal Security Division. He also heads the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass killings in Dharmasthala. 

Parameshwara stated that Mohanty had only been empaneled for central posting. 

“IPS officers are empaneled for central postings based on seniority, experience and capability. It’s a matter of prestige for Karnataka that one of our officers has been empaneled,” he told reporters outside his residence. 

“If the Centre wants him, it has to give him a posting and write to us. It’s up to us to accept it or decline. It’s all part of a process,” the minister said. 

The home minister declined to comment on the Dharmasthala case until the SIT gives its report. 

He also said the government was actively working to curb fake news. 

“We’ve enacted a law to tackle fake news and online gambling. We’re monitoring those making fake and communal posts regarding the Dharmasthala case, and will take appropriate action,” he said.  Mohanty described the empanelment as “an honour and a crowning jewel”, saying it makes him eligible to head one of the central police organisations as DGP. 

“I’m the only DGP from Karnataka to be empaneled for central posting. Getting to that exalted state is very difficult,” he said.