PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh police officer who filed a lawsuit in February claiming he was discriminated against for exposing financial waste has resigned, his attorney confirmed Monday morning.
Souroth Chatterji’s lawsuit claimed he had been instructed by former Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay to audit the department’s use of an information technology system created by B-Three Solutions.
The initial lawsuit claimed Chatterji was “retaliated against, harassed, intimidated and denied a promotion to sergeant” after he raised concerns about the contract with B-Three Solutions.
Chatterji later filed a motion for a protective order that would stop city officials from questioning him about the allegations. A federal judge denied the request.
TRENDING NOW:
- Tornado hits Washington Co., damages man's property
- $3 million scratch-off sold in Shaler Township
- Second lawsuit filed in crash at Trump House in Westmoreland County
- VIDEO: DA: Restaurant owner downloaded videos of similar attacks before woman's assault
What, if any, impact Chatterji's resignation will have on the lawsuit moving forward is still unclear.
"All I got was a text message," said Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. He told Channel 11 Chatterji's claims are being scrutinized by the Office of Municipal Investigations.
Peduto also said that in a rare move, FBI investigators have already exonerated the city.
"Usually they stay quiet, but in this case, to be able to assure the public, has stated the investigation has been completed by the FBI and there weren't any criminal charges that were found," Peduto said.
[ DOWNLOAD THE CHANNEL 11 NEWS APP ]
Peduto also said that questions arose as the city's practices of purchasing information technology when it comes to public safety, so changes have been made and all of it is now purchased through the Department of Innovation and Performance.
On Monday, Chatterji’s attorney, Alec Wright, released the following statement:
"Inspired by the events of 9-11, Officer Chatterji fought for this Country and became a two-tour Iraq war veteran. Following his military service, he joined the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and proudly served his fellow officers and the community for almost seven years as the only officer of Indian descent in the Bureau. His resignation is a loss for the City of Pittsburgh; he is the type of officer that any police department would be proud to have serving its community. Officer Chatterji wishes his fellow officers only safety and success in the future. He is thankful to the citizens of Pittsburgh for the opportunity he had to serve them."
Wright did not give a reason for Chatterji's resignation.
Chatterji was a member of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for nearly seven years.