Reporter's Diary — Stop trial by media: IPS Officers’ Assn on gutkha scam

George, now retired, and present DGP T K Rajendran, who were Commissioners in the city when the gutkha scam broke out have been accused widely in the media for the scam. (The traders’ ledger books, seized by Income Tax officials during raids at gutkha godowns in Red Hills in June 2016 said lakhs of rupees were given as bribes to police officials, including Commissioners) 

While the media glare on the bribe ledger continued, George had written to the Home Secretary in December 2016 seeking independent enquiry and suggested that roles of 30 officers in various ranks, including himself, be probed. On Sunday, the IPS association issued a press release condemning reports of allegations in some sections of the media against George and others, stating it was based on rumours and untruths. It asked the media to await the outcome of the DVAC probe. 

The association’s press release, is however, silent on steps taken by it to stop corruption in the Department. The current president of the association is DGP K P Maghendhran.