New Hubballi-Dharwad police chief in the dock after felicitation by accused

Hubballi: The new Hubballi-Dharwad police commissioner, Bhushan Borase, has landed in controversy after two men accused in criminal cases were seen felicitating him during his assumption of office. Photographs showing NDPS and murder case accused Khet Singh Rajpurohit and Amit Baddi presenting bouquets to the newly appointed commissioner have gone viral, triggering questions over how the two managed to enter the commissioner’s office during the official ceremony. Rajpurohit is facing a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, while Baddi has been named as an accused in the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

The photographs have raised eyebrows in police and public circles, particularly because the development came soon after Borase assumed charge and reportedly spoke about taking strict action against drug peddlers. Questions are now being raised over the security and verification arrangements at the commissioner’s office. Critics have questioned whether police personnel and staff responsible for the event were unaware of the background of those who came to felicitate the commissioner. Some have also alleged that habitual offenders and rowdy elements may be attempting to cultivate proximity with senior police officers by using public felicitation events.

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The Hans India