11 Andhra police suspended over lapses in escorting former MP
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Amaravati: Eleven police officers in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, have been suspended for negligence while escorting former MP and YSR Congress Party leader Gorantla Madhav.
Madhav was arrested for allegedly assaulting an accused in police custody, and the suspended officers were found to have failed in their duties during the escort.
Those suspended include a circle inspector, two sub-inspectors, two assistant sub-inspectors, one head constable and five constables.
Madhav, who was arrested on Friday and placed in judicial custody on Saturday, reportedly violated regulations during his escort to Guntur General Hospital (GGH) and a city court. The police officers accompanying him were found to have acted negligently.
At GGH, Madhav was observed speaking on a mobile phone allegedly provided by a YSRCP leader. He also reprimanded police officers when asked to wear a mask while being presented to the media.
Taking serious note of the incident, the higher officials had asked Guntur South DSP Bhanudaya to conduct an investigation and submit the report. Based on his report, Gunture Range IG suspended 11 police personnel.
Earlier, B. Seetharamaiah, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Special Branch, was transferred. He has been asked to report to the office of the Director General of Police.
Former MP Gorantla Madhav, along with five associates, was arrested on Friday for allegedly assaulting an accused in police custody and obstructing law enforcement officers. All six were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody and sent to Nellore jail by the Guntur Special Mobile Court.
The incident unfolded while police were transporting Chebrolu Kiran, who had been accused of making objectionable remarks about YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s wife. Madhav and his supporters allegedly intercepted the police vehicle en route from Mangalagiri to Guntur, assaulted the accused, and pushed aside the officers.
Despite police efforts to secure Kiran and continue to the Guntur district police headquarters, the group reportedly followed in a convoy of vehicles, attempting further intimidation. Upon arrival at the headquarters, Madhav and his associates allegedly attacked the accused again.
Kiran himself was arrested on Friday after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) suspended him and filed a complaint with the police regarding his derogatory comments.
(inputs from IANS)