Former Bengaluru (South) Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Annamalai K's resignation has been accepted, more than four months after the police officer submitted his resignation.
Annamalai was relieved of his duties effective September 15 and the letter to that effect was issued on Wednesday. Annamalai had resigned in May.
"After about eight years with the Indian Police Service, post my resignation on May 28th, 2019, I got formally relieved yesterday by the government of Karnataka. It’s been a privilege wearing my khaki and serving you all as a humble servant of our great nation," Annamalai said in a tweet.
After about eight years with the Indian Police Service, post my resignation on May 28th, 2019, I got formally relieved yday by the Govt of Karnataka. It’s been a privilege wearing my Kakhi and serving you all as a humble servant of our great nation.
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) October 17, 2019
He cited personal reasons for his resignation but he has hinted that he will take up ‘a new challenge’ in the next six months. Sources close to the officer have claimed that he has an ambition to enter politics.
"I personally have the highest respect for all our Indian Civil Services and they truly are the pillars that hold our nation together. But, I felt I needed a new set of challenges that are more basic, raw and developmental that will keep me energized for the foreseeable future," Annamalai added.
While there has been speculation that Annamalai is set to join politics in his home state of Tamil Nadu, the former IPS officer has vehemently denied that he has made a decision to join a political party.
Read: B'luru DCP 'Singam' Annamalai quits, says IPS officer's death made him 're-examine' life
Known as an upright officer, Annamalai entered the police service when he was posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police, Karkala sub-division in Udupi district in 2013. He was later promoted as the SP of Udupi on January 1, 2015.
During his tenure as the SP of Udupi district, he earned a reputation for cracking down on criminal activities. He was referred to as the 'Singam of Udupi' by the public, a nickname that stayed with him until his resignation.
Annamalai frequently interacted with students, particularly in the student town of Manipal, where he implemented strict rules restricting nightlife. Bars and restaurants were forcibly closed at 11:30 pm and students found on roads or public spaces were asked to identify and explain themselves if they were caught by the police after midnight.
He took charge as SP of Chikkamagaluru district in 2016 before he was made DCP of Bengaluru (South) in 2018. He received acclaim from the public in Chikkamagaluru, particularly for his handling of the sensitive Baba Budangiri issue and for the crackdown on gambling dens in the district.
The 2011 batch IPS officer is a graduate from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore and Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow.