RS Praveen Kumar Demands SIT Probe into Alleged Gang Wars in Telangana

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) General Secretary RS Praveen Kumar on Saturday demanded that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be constituted to probe alleged gang wars in Telangana, accusing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's government of fostering anarchic rule.

Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad, Praveen Kumar alleged that police personnel, particularly lower-rank officers from disadvantaged backgrounds, were being subjected to severe mental agony and made scapegoats amid political conflicts. He cited a recent incident where a constable shot himself at the DGP's office in LB Nagar as a reflection of the immense pressure faced by police personnel.

Praveen Kumar highlighted instances of police suspensions across the state, including the suspension of Muthu Yadav within 30 days of taking charge at Jubilee Hills. He also noted that in Chityala, Circle Inspector Mallesh was suspended immediately after registering an FIR following an alleged assault on an SC community journalist by a Congress leader. He questioned why senior officers, including DCP Ramana Reddy and ACP Venkat Reddy, were not placed under suspension alongside Muthu Yadav.

The BRS leader also called for an inquiry into police postings issued by the Chief Minister, who holds the Home portfolio. Referring to a 'Zero FIR' registered at Medipally on August 20, Praveen Kumar said it was based on a complaint by Harikrishna alleging that Sumanth, a former OSD to Forest Minister Konda Surekha, assaulted him with iron rods on July 30. He claimed that groups linked to Sumanth and Kiran, allegedly backed by some Ministers, were involved in ongoing gang wars.

Praveen Kumar questioned why no General Diary entry had been made in the case, why Harikrishna was not shifted to a hospital, and how constables were aware of the assault details. He claimed that another complaint filed by Mahender Reddy on behalf of Sumanth's associates at the Madhapur police station regarding an alleged non-return of Rs. 1.80 crore by Harikrishna was not registered.

He alleged that the Medipally police registered the FIR only after Forest Minister Konda Surekha's daughter, Konda Sushmitha, spoke against the Chief Minister. Praveen Kumar asserted that FIRs were not being registered unless directed by the Chief Minister.

Highlighting wider grievances within the department, Praveen Kumar pointed out that the government had failed to provide toilets for women constables at police stations, while constables were seeking solutions for surrender leave issues and 2012-batch Sub-Inspectors were appealing to the DGP for promotions.