As Rajasthan Police failed once again to obtain a non-bailable warrant against Orissa Director General of Police (Home Guard) B B Mohanti in connection with his son jumping parole, the official said he was being harassed for no fault of his.
"I do not understand why Rajasthan Police is after me. I have all along helped them during the investigation," Mohanti told PTI.
Mohanti said he is a law-abiding citizen and had cooperated with Rajasthan Police whenever they required him to do so.
His son Bitihotra convicted by a court at Alwar in Rajasthan for raping a German tourist, jumped parole in December last year.
Rajasthan Police have failed to trace Bitihotra and suspect Mohanti had a hand in the disappearance of his son after he was released on parole in November last year.
"The last time when a police team from Rajasthan came to Cuttack, I met them both at my office and residence. I even did not object to their speaking to my ailing mother who is bed-ridden for the past one year," the senior IPS officer said.
"They also interrogated me and my wife for a long time. We have extended all sorts of cooperation."
Expressing anguish at the 'attitude' of Rajasthan Police, which moved a court in Jaipur to obtain an arrest warrant against him, Mohanti said he was being targeted for no fault of his.
"Why should a father be held responsible for the fault of his adult son? Biti is not a minor boy. He is already 25," Mohanti said.
Mohanti said he has avoided speaking to friends and relatives on phone since Bitihotra went missing but had always welcomed calls from Rajasthan Police and provided all information regarding his son that was available with him.
"But they have never understood the plight of a father whose adult son was convicted of rape and remains elusive," he said.
He also questioned Rajasthan Police's actions.
"What exactly do they want to achieve by keeping an innocent father inside the four walls of a prison? I am not escaping anywhere or not cooperating in the investigation. Under such circumstances, there is no need to seeking an arrest order from court," he said.
Mohanti, who was responsible for reforms in the state's jails, said he was aware of rules related to parole.
"Therefore, I insisted Biti should return to the jail where he was lodged. But he remains untraceable."
He also said he did not have any contact with his son and was worried for his well-being.
Mohanti said he has already moved the Rajasthan High Court to seek the quashing of charges made against him by that state's police."I have great respect for the judiciary and hope that justice will come in my favour. I leave the entire matter to the almighty. I have great faith in Him," he added.
