Hyderabad: Indirectly indicating that the Andhra Pradesh police was protecting cash-for-vote scam accused Jerusalem Mattaiah, AP Director-General of Police J.V. Ramudu said on Wednesday that it was the duty of the police to help when someone sought protection.
Without taking any names, Mr Ramudu said that based on a complaint the police was providing needed help to a “victim”. However, he denied that there was growing rivalry between the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state police and added that the entire force gave priority to the national interest.
Responding to a question from reporters regarding allegations that the AP police was protecting Mr Mattaiah and other absconding accused in the cash-for-vote scam, the police chief said, “The police is not partial. But we will have to protect the complainant since the matter is in the courts.”
Mr Mattaiah had apparently fled to Vijayawada and approached the AP police seeking protection after Telangana ACB sleuths started arresting the accused in the scam.
Earlier, the TS ACB had found that Mr Mattaiah and Mr Jimmy Babu were being protected by some “influential people”. ACB officials had also started exploring legal avenues to tackle these people. They said that if necessary, they would send a notice to the AP police in this regard.
Denying allegations that the AP and TS police were at loggerheads, Mr Ramudu said, “We are from the Indian Police Service. Serving the interest of our nation is our first priority. All other matters come second,” he said, adding that higher officials of both state police had a cordial meeting a day ago on official matters.
