Retired IPS officer served notice over allegations against SIT chief

The Hyderabad police have issued a notice to retired IPS officer R.S. Praveen Kumar, seeking documentary proof for allegations he made publicly against the Chief of the Special Investigation Team probing the alleged phone tapping case.

In a notice issued on January 23, Commissioner of Police and SIT Chief V.C. Sajjanar stated that Praveen Kumar, while addressing the media, had alleged that the SIT chief was involved in seven criminal cases and had demanded the constitution of another SIT to inquire into him.

Terming the allegations “highly defamatory, reckless and misleading”, the orficial said the statements were made without placing any “supporting particulars or verifiable material” in the public domain. The notice said the remarks not only attempted to lower the reputation and credibility of the SIT and its chief, but also sought to obstruct the lawful discharge of official duties and cause serious prejudice to an ongoing investigation.

The retired officer has been directed to furnish complete and specific details of the alleged seven criminal cases within two days of receiving the notice. The police have sought particulars including crime numbers, names of police stations, sections of law invoked, dates of registration, present status of the cases, details of courts where proceedings, if any, are pending and copies of FIR/ charge sheet or any certified documents for making such allegations.

The notice further warned that failure to comply within the stipulated time would invite appropriate civil and criminal proceedings in accordance with law. These could include action for defamation and criminal intimidation, “at your entire risk as to costs and consequences”, it said.