Controversial Bastar Inspector General of Police S R P Kalluri has proceeded on medical leave and is unlikely to return to his posting in the Maoist-affected region of Chhattisgarh, a highly placed source said on Thursday. Kalluri had been brought back in 2014 after being removed from his influential position earlier.
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Sundarraj P, Dantewada deputy inspector general (DIG) of police has been put in charge of Bastar Range in south Chhattisgarh.
Kalluri has been a controversial figure and has had a running battle with civil rights activists and the media of the region. He was again in the news earlier this month after activist Bela Bhatia came under attack from a local outfit believed to be supporting the police in the fight against Maoists.
Kalluri has often been quoted telling journalists from outside the state that they were not welcome in the insurgency-hit region. Several journalists are still in jail in Chhattisgarh after being charged with complicity with Maoists. According to activists, these journalists have been framed.
Media reports state that Kalluri has been unwell for a while. In November last year, he was admitted to hospital with kidney and heart problems. An officer looked after the Bastar region while he was away on medical leave.
Top sources said this time Kalluri may not return to Bastar after he comes back from medical leave.
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