Cops Deny Link After Photos of Crime Accused With Hubballi Police Chief Go Viral
Hubballi-Dharwad police distanced themselves from viral photos of crime accused with the new Police Commissioner, calling them incidental.
Photographs of two individuals with criminal cases posing alongside the newly appointed Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner, Borase Bhushan Gulabarao, have circulated widely on social media, prompting an official clarification from the police commissionerate.
The images feature Amit Baddi, an accused in the murder of activist Gauri Lankesh, and Khet Singh Rajpurohit, who faces narcotics charges. The pictures were reportedly taken during a recent public greeting session at the Commissioner's office shortly after he assumed charge.
Addressing the controversy, the police commissionerate issued a statement asserting that the presence of these individuals in photographs does not indicate any official association. The statement noted that over 200 citizens had visited the office to extend greetings, and among such a large gathering, some persons with criminal antecedents were present and had their pictures taken.
The release emphasised that the Hubballi-Dharwad City Police remain dedicated to impartial and strict action against crime and criminals, without fear or favour, and that the photographs should not be misconstrued as a connection with the department.