Retired IPS officer and former CBI director M Nageswara Rao is bearing widespread brunt for deriding noted social reformer Swami Agnivesh soon after the latter’s death.
Led by the Indian Police Association, a number of individuals and organization have came down upon Nageshwar for his “abhorrent’’ remarks.
In his controversial tweet, which the Twitter latter pulled down, Nageswara described Agnivesh’s passing away as “good riddance.’’
The Indian Police Foundation has taken Nageshwara head on. Known for its work in the police reforms, the Foundation said in its tweet, “Tweeting such hate messages by a retired officer posing as an IPS officer – he has desecrated the police uniform which he wore and embarrassed the government. He demoralises the entire police force in the country, especially the young officers.”
Cutting across political and religious lines, people have been slamming Rao for his remarks. Among them is noted historian Irfan Habib, who tweeted: “ You are a disgrace. Can imagine what all you must have done as a police officer? Abusing the dead may be Hindutva but is certainly not Hinduism. Better late than never. Get yourself treated.
Swami Agnivesh started out as a politician in the 70s, successfully contesting Assembly election from Haryana, but later switched over to social activities such as eradication of bonded labour. For this, he formed the organization `Bandhua Mukti Morcha’. In 2004, he was elected as president of the World Council of Arya Samaj.
Agnivesh died a few days ago after protracted illness. He was suffering from liver cirrhosis.
