Belagavi, Nov 7: In a move that has stirred intense debate in Belagavi, Malmaruti Police Inspector J.M. Kalimirchi has been transferred without a new posting after his selfie with MES leader Shubham Shelake went viral.
For more details : https://www.prajavani.net/district/belagavi/belagavi-police-inspector-transfer-mes-leader-selfie-3618274
Shelake, a known MES activist, had marked Karnataka Rajyotsava Day (Nov 1) as a ‘Black Day’, an act widely condemned by pro-Kannada groups. The image of Inspector Kalimirchi posing with Shelake during this period drew widespread criticism, with several Kannada organizations demanding his suspension and labeling it as an insult to the state.
Following mounting pressure from local activists and Kannada organizations, the Home Department on Thursday included Kalimirchi’s name in the list of 120 police inspectors transferred across the state. Officials confirmed that he has not yet been assigned a new posting.
Public Outcry and Political Reactions
The incident sparked strong reactions in Belagavi, a city often at the centre of Karnataka–Maharashtra border politics. Pro-Kannada activists staged demonstrations outside the Malmaruti Police Station, accusing the officer of aligning with anti-Kannada elements.
Several Kannada leaders also called for stricter action, arguing that government officers should maintain neutrality and uphold state pride.
Meanwhile, supporters of Kalimirchi claimed the selfie was “misinterpreted” and that no political motive was involved. However, officials have yet to issue a formal clarification.
New Officer Takes Charge
The government has appointed CPI B.R. Gadekar as the new officer in charge of the Malmaruti Police Station. His immediate task will be to restore public confidence and ensure smooth law and order in the sensitive region.
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