BENGALURU: In a move that took many by surprise, Praveen Sood, who was appointed as Bengaluru police commissioner just seven months ago, was transferred on Monday evening.
Praveen Sood was posted as ADGP in the Communication, Logistics and Modernization wing of the department — a non-executive post. Though it was not clear why, Sood, an ADGP rank officer who was due for promotion as DGP in October this year, was transferred, it was speculated that tough action by the city police against pro-Kannada activists who had defaced Hindi signages did not go down well with the government.
Earlier this month, the police had arrested several pro-Kannada activists, sending out a clear message that such acts will not tolerated. Sources in the Home Department, however, said action against activists might not have been a reason for shifting the commissioner. "There could be some reasons, but as of now it is not clear what prompted government action," said a senior officer in the department. Chief minister Siddaramaiah currently holds home portfolio.
Several senior officers were surprised by the move, but refused to speculate on the reasons. Sood, a 1986-batch officer, had taken over as police chief when cases of alleged mass molestation on New Year's eve had the department on the back foot. He has been credited with upgrading police control room, integrating helplines and launching patrol vehicles to attend to distress calls by women.
Sood's stint is the shortest-ever as city police commissioner, barring those who were promoted while serving as commissioners.
Suneel Kumar, who took charge from Sood on Monday, had earlier worked in the city as additional commissioner (Law and Order).