Suicide attempt rumours about suspended Ballari SP Pawan Nejjur dismissed as false; Home Minister defends suspension
Sira (Tumakuru): Rumours that Ballari Superintendent of Police (SP) Pawan Nejjur, who was recently suspended over alleged dereliction of duty in a riot case, attempted suicide have been confirmed as false. The speculation, which spread rapidly on social media and through informal channels, was later denied by senior police officials.
It was widely reported that the suspended SP, allegedly distressed over his suspension, had consumed tablets at a friend’s farmhouse near Baraguru in Sira taluk and was admitted to a hospital for treatment. However, police authorities clarified that these claims were baseless. Officials stated that Pawan Nejjur is currently resting at the farmhouse and has not attempted suicide.
Tumakur district Superintendent of Police K.V. Ashok categorically denied the rumours. “There is no report of any suicide attempt. He has not been admitted to any hospital, and no complaint has been received in this regard,” the SP said, urging people not to believe or circulate unverified information.
The controversy follows the suspension of Pawan Nejjur in connection with communal violence that broke out in Ballari city on the night of January 1 over the installation of a banner. During the clashes, a Congress party worker was killed, triggering political and administrative fallout. The state government suspended the Ballari SP, citing failure to effectively manage the situation and prevent escalation.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwar defended the suspension, stating that it was unavoidable due to lapses in duty. Speaking to reporters in Tumakuru, he said the SP failed to reach the spot promptly, issue proper instructions to his personnel, and take timely decisions to control the violence.
“The Superintendent of Police should have gone to the spot immediately and directed his staff to bring the situation under control. Once an incident occurs, an officer is expected to know how to manage it. IPS officers are trained for such situations and have years of field experience. Taking all this into consideration, district postings are given,” the Home Minister said.
He further stressed that duty does not depend on time or convenience. “Whether one reports to duty for a day or an hour is not the issue. Work is work. Challenges arise the moment one takes charge. Had immediate action been taken and the crowd dispersed in time, the situation would not have reached the stage of firing. Since the responsibility was not properly discharged, the suspension was necessary,” Parameshwar said.
Authorities have appealed to the public to refrain from spreading rumours and to rely only on official information regarding sensitive matters.
