Date:05/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/05/stories/2008110560300400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Train fracas resolved; probe ordered into conduct of police

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Director-General and Inspector-General of Police R. Sri Kumar has ordered an inquiry into the conduct of police personnel against an Army officer on the Hubli-Bangalore Inter City train on Sunday.

An official statement said Mr. Sri Kumar has taken action against Deputy Superintendent of Police (Railways) Madhura Veena and a few policemen who were accused of misbehaving with Colonel Peter Rubin.

Mr. Sri Kumar has asked Deputy Inspector-General of Police Malini Krishnamurthy to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit a report within 15 days.

On Sunday DySP Veena, a police inspector and a sub inspector, who were returning after escorting Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, boarded the AC chair car of the Hubli- Bangalore Intercity Express at Birur. The three officers had passes. While Ms. Veena got the seat, the other two kept standing.

Colonel Rubin and his wife were returning in the same train. Col. Rubin objected to the way the two policemen were blocking the way. This led to heated exchanges between Col. Rubin and Ms. Veena in the train. At the City Railway Station Col. Rubin was allegedly hit by policemen.

Senior officers from the police and Indian Army held discussions on Sunday and said they have amicably resolved the issue. In a joint statement, Col. Vijayakumar of Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area and Deputy Inspector-General of Police K.H. Srinivasan described the incident as unfortunate.