Kothapeta MLA Jaggi Reddy calls off protest after CI, SI removed from duty
KAKINADA: Kothapeta MLA Chirla Jaggireddy called off his protest at Ravulapalem Police Station after 23 hours, on Monday evening, after Eluru Range DIG Palaraju gave him an assurance that Ravulapalem CI Venkata Narayana and SI Bhanu Prasad would be removed from their present duties.
This related to a case in which 18 youth belonging to Schedule Caste were arrested by the cops. ASP of Konaseema district K Latha Madhuri has been appointed as “inquiry officer’’ to investigate into the complaints.
It was on July 5 that two SC youths went to a hotel in Gopalapuram village and noticed an image of Dr BR Ambedkar on a serving plate. They took offence and questioned the hotel proprietor. They also posted the picture plates on social media and spread the message.
The hotel management lodged a complaint with the Ravulapalem police station while the SC youths lodged a complaint against the hotel under the SC-ST Atrocities Prevention Act. The friction between the two sides escalated and the Ravulapalem police registered cases against 18 SC youths under section 120 B, 453 etc.
They were arrested and sent to remand at Central Jail in Rajamahendravaram. Police said the case against the hotel management was “under investigation”.
Many dalit groups condemned the arrests and demanded that the government do justice to the SCs. MLA Jaggireddy demanded that the CI and SI who arrested the Dalits be taken to task. But, the district police chief did not heed his call.
In a strong protest, Jaggireddy went to Ravulapalem police station on Sunday and slept at the station through the night. On Monday, Eluru Range DIG Palaraju came to the station and assured the MLA that the CI and SI would be taken off their duties and an investigation will be done.
The Telugu Desam criticised the MLA. Former Amalapuram MLA (TD) Aithabathula Anandarao told the media this was a political drama and Jaggireddy was not really serious in taking up the cause of the SC youths.
