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The Andhra Pradesh Police Officers’ Association (APPOA) has condemned former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s remarks criticising the state police and calling them corrupt. Jagan had also alleged that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was using the police to suppress dissent.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Jagan had accused certain Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) rank officers and other police officers of “behaving like mafia dons, collecting bribes from illegal liquor and sand operations and sharing the proceeds with ruling party leaders.”
Speaking to the media at YSRCP’s central office in Tadepalli on Wednesday, July 16, Jagan further alleged that CM Chandrababu Naidu was misusing police powers to suppress dissent.
In response, APPOA president Janakula Srinivasa Rao condemned Jagan’s remarks at a press conference on July 17, Thursday. “Our Association condemns the insulting, derogatory remarks made by former CM Jagan against police officers. He said police exist to threaten YSRCP workers and not to protect him, this is not right,” he said.
He also condemned Jagan’s statement equating DIG-rank officers to mafia dons, saying it was disrespectful to the police force.
Addressing the allegation of false cases being filed against YSRCP workers, Srinivasa Rao said, “Some occasional mistakes might occur, but you must resolve those in courts. You cannot target police officers.”
He said that the APPOA would oppose anyone who hurts the sentiments of the police force or undermines their morale.
On July 16, Jagan had also condemned the filing of false cases against senior IPS officers such as former Intelligence chief PSR Anjaneyulu, former Crime Investigation Department (CID) chief PV Sunil Kumar, and former Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kanti Rana Tata, who held important posts under the previous Jagan government.
He claimed that over 80 inspectors and hundreds of constables remained suspended or sidelined, while only pro-TDP officers were being empowered. The APPOA denied these allegations.
Jagan also cited the recent resignation of IPS officer Siddharth Kaushal as an example of the unbearable pressure being exerted by the TDP government on “honest officers”. Srinivasa Rao pointed out that the officer had resigned citing personal reasons, asking not to politicise the issue.