BENGALURU: Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao faced severe criticism for supporting lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai. Following backlash from netizens, Rao later issued an apology.
Rao had replied to a post shared from an X account purportedly handled by Rakesh Kishore, which has around 25,000 followers. Uploading the photo of a news item about his suspension by Bar Council, the user posted, “No regret, no sorrow, no repentance.”
Replying to the post, the former IPS officer stated, “Even if it is legally and terribly wrong, I admire your courage, at your age, to take a stand and live by it, irrespective of the consequences.”
After facing severe backlash from netizens, Rao clarified his stance and said, “My reaction was one of aghast and shock that a person, despite being so highly educated, aged, and experienced, could commit such an act knowing fully the consequences of a terrible and legally wrong act. I have not insulted the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice, or any community. If my tweet has angered or hurt anyone, I am sorry.”