Karnataka: Keep away from protests, officers tell constables

BENGALURU: As harassed lower rung staff of the police department are planning a massive strike by going en masse leave on June 4, it is alleged that senior officers are involved in pressure tactics by threatening constables of disciplinary action if they do not turn up for work.

V. Shashidhar, the Founder President of Akhila Karnataka Police Maha Sangha, the forum which is leading the movement, alleged that in most of the police stations across the state, senior officers have warned lower rung staff to stay away from the protests. “Many constables from other districts have informed that officers of the rank of DySPs and SPs are visiting police stations and threatening constables that they will face suspension if they absent from work on June 4. It is unfortunate that senior officers, who know the difficulties faced by constables, are against the protest,” Shashidhar said.

“This is nothing but intimidating those who want to take part in the protest. There are also talks that the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) will be invoked against those who go on leave. But, we are determined that we are not going to budge this time. We are expecting that at least 60,000 police staff will go on leave on June 4,” he added.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that more than 50 staff in Central Crime Branch (CCB) in the city have applied for leave on that day. “We have applied for leave but there is no response from senior officers. We hope that everything will be resolved by the government before things turn ugly,” a head constable told Deccan Chronicle.

Another constable working in that city said that he would also apply for leave on June 1, if the demands are not met till then. “We, a group of more than 20 constables, have decided to apply for leave on June 1. Each and every constable is in support to this protest but we have our own restrictions to come out and express it,” he said.

Dr G Parameshwara to hold meet
Considering the gravity of the issue, it is learnt that Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara has decided to hold a meeting in this regard. Sources in the home department said that the minister has been apprised of the situation and he would hold a meeting with those who are leading the protests on Monday.

Drama at Davangere
It is also learnt that high drama prevailed in Davangere, where the police are making arrangements for an event which is to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30.

A member of a Police Families Welfare Association was reportedly distributing handbills to hundreds of policemen gathered for rehearsal at the venue on Friday. An officer of the rank of IGP reportedly took objection to it and questioned him and directed his subordinates to take the person to custody.

Meanwhile, hundreds of policemen revolted against their senior cops and stood in support of the person, who was distributing handbills. Finally, the person was let off.