Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jan 29: Ravikanthe Gowda on Monday January 29 took charge as the new superintendent of police (SP) of Dakshina Kannada district.
He takes over the charge from Sudheer Kumar Reddy, who has been transferred as SP of Belagavi, the post that Ravikanthe Gowda was serving before being transferred here.
The new SP, after accepting the guard of honour, was welcomed by ASP V J Sajeeth.
Ravikanthe Gowda began his career in policing as a KSPS officer of 1997 batch. In 2005, he became an IPS officer.
His first posting was as DySP of Nanjangud in 1999, after which he went on to become DCP of Hubballi-Dharwad, DCP (crime) in Bengaluru, DCP (law and order), Mysuru, DCP of north east Bengaluru, DCP of central Bengaluru city, and SP of Belagavi.
A native of Mandya, Ravinkanthe Gowda is the son of well-known short-story writer Besagarahalli Ramanna. The police officer himself is also a poet and a singer and is known to be passionate about Hindustani music. He also holds a doctorate in literature.
A strict officer, Gowda is known as an 'encounter specialist' who, during his tenure as DCP in Bengaluru, encountered three rowdies. He is also known for his ability to control communal forces and underworld elements.
"DK district sensitive, but confident of tackling situation"
Speaking to media persons after taking charge of his new office, SP Gowda said, "I have taken charge of Dakshina Kannada district which is bound by rich cultures and traditions. My priority if to maintain law and order in the district and make the police department here people-friendly. I will strive to create such an atmosphere and protect those who obey the law.
"With the help of constables and senior police officers, we will create a strong bond between the police and the people, which will help in maintaining law and order," he added.
"Dakshina Kannada is a very sensitive district, but with my experience and guidance of senior officers, I am confident of tackling the situation," he said.
When asked what he felt about being transferred from big district like Belagavi to a smaller one like DK, he said, "We should work as the situation. The police frame of work does not change, no matter where we are deployed."
To a question on tackling harmful posts on social media, he said, "Where social media is concerned, healthy discussion is fine and it should in fact be encouraged. But if there is any provocative message which has the potential to disturb peace, action will be taken. We have social media monitoring unit and we will take stringent action against those who disrupt peace or create violence. My advice to rumour mongers is that only healthy discussion should be encouraged and it should be within the boundaries of law and order as well as meaningful."
Asked about alleged political interference in the police work in DK and hesitation among officers from taking charge here, the SP replied, "If any suggestion or advice is as per the law then I will welcome it and respectfully take it. I am so happy to come to Dakshina Kannada. People here are culturally and traditionally advanced, and they have made a name in every field be it singing, art etc. People here are also sensitive. I am happy to be in DK."
About his plans for DK police, he said, "I am looking forward to strengthen the new beat system as it was successfully implemented in Belagavi. Here too I will continue the same and strengthen it.
"Usually the command in exercise is in Hindi or English, but for the first time in 2016, we implemented command in Kannada in Belagavi and continued it for a year. We will continue that here too. A committee headed by ADG (administration) has been formed for this purpose and I too am a member of the committee."