Bhumana Faults SP for Suspension of MLA’s Gunman

 Tirupati: Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) chairman and YSRC leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy criticized Chittoor district superintendent of police V.V. Manikanta Chandolu for suspending a police constable deployed as a gunman to former minister and MLA Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, terming it an unjust action influenced by political pressure from the state government.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Karunakar said that two months ago, Peddireddy suffered a fracture in his hand and was unable to carry items like food and a pillow during a visit to the Central Prison in Rajahmundry, where MP P.V. Mithun Reddy is currently held in judicial custody due to his alleged involvement in a liquor scam.

“Constable Kalesha, assigned as Papireddy's gunman, assisted him by carrying those items as outside visitors are not allowed into the prison, However, the the SP suspended the constable for three months over this”, he claimed.

Bhumana alleged that several police constables and home guards are routinely forced to perform non-departmental duties at the SP’s office and residence. “If the SP wants to set an example, he should first release those personnel working at his residence and office. There should be a rule of law”, he said.

Referring to a similar incident, Bhumana noted that the SP suspended the gunman of MP Mithun Reddy for firing three warning rounds in the air due to violence that erupted during the MP’s visit to Punganur in July last year.

This pattern of action against YSRC leaders and the Peddireddy family raises questions about the SP’s impartiality”, he alleged. Bhumana urged the SP not to refrain from acting out of personal bias or political influence and ensure uniform enforcement of disciplinary measures.