Controversial Bastar DIG Kalluri goes on leave

Amid a row over alleged attacks on journalists and human rights activists in Maoist-hit Bastar region, the Chhattisgarh government has posted Sundarraj P as the Deputy Inspector General of Police in Bastar in place of controversial IG S R P Kalluri, officials said on Thursday.

Kalluri has often run into controversies as part of his anti-Naxal operations in the tribal belt and for his style of functioning in the insurgency-hit region. He has been under fire from the Opposition and civil rights groups.

The official order to bring in Sundarraj, effecting Kalluri's departure from Bastar, was issued on Wednesday evening here from the Mantrayala.

As per sources, Kalluri has applied for a medical leave.

Sundarraj, a 2003-batch IPS officer and serving as DIG state intelligence branch (SIB), has been made DIG for Dantewada range, officials said. As per the order, the headquarter of DIG (Dantewada range) will be Jagdalpur (Bastar district's headquarter). All districts falling under Bastar range will be under the jurisdiction of DIG Dantewada range, he added.

Kalluri has been facing criticism for alleged fake encounters and targeting local journalists, social and human rights activists.