Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today praised IPS officer S R P Kalluri saying, "sometimes a good player has to sit outside the field", apparently referring to his transfer from Bastar region.
"Sometimes a good player has to sit outside the field. I have advised him to take rest due to his ill health. He underwent bypass surgery and has problem in kidney. Therefore, I asked him to get well first," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Mungeli district.
Kalluri has been facing criticism for alleged fake encounters and targetting local journalists, social and human rights activists in Bastar.
"Kalluri has done a great job for peace in Bastar. He raised the morale of police. If required his services will be used in future," he said showering praise on the officer.
Singh was in Sargaon village of Mungeli today to take part in 'Pragati Evam Maha Aawas Mela' (development and grand housing fair) during which he dedicated several development works.
He also announced various development works for the area on the occasion.
The 1994-batch officer who was Inspector General (IG) of police Bastar Range, was earlier sanctioned 90-day leave with effect from February 1, 2017.
However, instead of availing leave, he requested the DGP for a fresh posting and was subsequently sent to police head quarters.
Early this month, 2003-batch IPS officer Sundarraj P was appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police in Bastar amid speculation that Kalluri is being shifted out of the tribal- dominated region which is a Naxal hotbed.
After Kalluri's transfer, Sundarraj was made IG (incharge) Bastar Range.
Moreover, the Bastar police also faced heat recently after social activist Bela Bhatia was allegedly threatened by a group men who also asked her to leave the district.
The government was under pressure from human rights group and opposition Congress to shift the controversial IPS officer out of Bastar.
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