Former Karnataka top cop Praveen Sood named new CBI director; here's a look at his feud with DK Shivakumar

Former Karnataka top cop Praveen Sood named new CBI director; here's a look at his feud with DK Shivakumar

In March 2023, Director General of Police (DGP) Sood faced criticism from the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar, who accused the state police of unfairly targeting Congress workers while ignoring the actions of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

FPJ Web DeskUpdated: Monday, May 15, 2023, 06:44 PM IST
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Praveen Sood (left) and DK Shivakumar(right) | Twitter

In 2017, Praveen Sood was transferred from his position as Bengaluru city police commissioner amid controversy. The transfer allegedly took place due to multiple complaints against Sood received by then chief minister and Congress veteran Siddaramaiah.

DGP Sood had been in the eye of the storm for his handling of several high-profile cases, including the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh and the assault on a woman journalist by a group of men on a bus.

CM contender Siddaramaiah had also accused Sood of being partial to the BJP in his investigations. He had also alleged that Sood was involved in covering-up the Lankesh murder case.

Sood Denied Allegations

DGP Sood has denied the allegations and said that he was being targeted as he had carried out his duties with utmost integrity and had no political affiliations, a Hindustan Times report stated.

Sood Faces Criticism from Congress Leaders Over Alleged Bias

Labelling Sood as a “BJP agent”, besides calling him ‘nalayak’ (useless) Shivakumar warned that if the Congress returned to power, the top cop would face action for not discharging his duties properly. 

Shivakumar's salvo against him came after he registered 25 cases against Congress leaders and none against BJP leaders in Karnataka.

“We have also written to the Election Commission about his duty and conduct,” Shivakumar had told reporters.

Shivakumar's vow to take serious action against him

In March, a controversy erupted when BJP workers erected an arch in Mandya, honouring Vokkaliga chieftains Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda, who some claimed was slain by the 18th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan. However, historians dispute this claim. The arch was constructed ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mandya.

Shivakumar criticised the 59-year-old police chief for not taking action against those responsible for the controversial arch.

Sood Appointed as CBI Director Amidst Controversy

The appointment of Praveen Sood as the new CBI director on Sunday came a day after the Congress swept to power in Karnataka, winning 135 of the 224 seats.

Sood's appointment has been met with criticism from some quarters. However, the government has defended the appointment saying Sood is a highly qualified and experienced officer who is capable of leading the CBI.

As the new CBI chief, Sood is likely to face a number of challenges, including the ongoing investigation into the Rafale deal and allegations of corruption against several top politicians.

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