It is learnt that the YSRCP MLAs and leaders had given recommendation letters for transfer of a few SIs, but what followed is giving jitters to several of them. The District Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kaushal is going on a special drive to weed out erring cops. In the last 10 days, nearly 50 cops have been suspended and several others transferred to unimportant wings in the department.
Troubled over these developments, the YSRCP leaders have met the Energy Minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy and vented out their anguish. Also, in several Assembly Constituencies like Chirala, Kondepi and Darsi, two or more groups within the party are reportedly fighting to get their ‘friendly’ policemen deputed. Balineni reportedly took all these developments to the notice of Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy. During a recent meeting with the District SP, Balineni is said to have conveyed the views of the CM regarding the issue. What transpired between the SP and the minister is under wraps.
After the meeting, it is said that the SP has suspended a Circle Inspector of a police station in Ongole Taluk, falling under the Assembly constituency of the minister. Before the leaders could realise what was happening, the SP suspended 30 more erring cops on a single day – all in response to the complaints received against them for corruption and irregularities. Few more have been transferred to unimportant wings citing inefficiency. One cop working at a police station in Ongole has been transferred on account of alleged inefficiency and irregularities. Taking exception to the same, the cop had staged a protest before the District Collectors Office. Within hours, the SP issued orders suspending the cop for his protest.
Adding to this, the police officials also held press conferences revealing the names, ranks of the erring cops and the complaints against them. The suspended cops worry that they will not be taken seriously by their own colleagues and people, even after their suspensions are revoked. The SP also reportedly asked to file criminal cases against erring cops if the complaints against them include involvement in private settlements and corruption.
On the other hand, the leaders remained clueless about the series of suspensions and transfers. However, the Energy Minister has reportedly assured them of taking up the issue of transfers with the SP soon.
