Contrary to the Telangana police tag line “People’s friendly police”, a city police official displayed high-handed behaviour during an event on Thursday.
The inspector of Gachibowli, Jupally Ramesh, who was posted at Maulana Azad National Urdu University as part of the security arrangement for the Vice-President’s visit, disrupted the standard media protocol and came up with his own.
As Rahul Devulapalli, Principal Correspondent of this publication, tried to enter the venue, Mr. Ramesh blocked the way and refused him entry. When the reporter tried to show the special pass issued by the State Information and Public Relations Department, the inspector declared that he very well identified the journalist and the organisation but wanted him out of the venue. When reasons were sought regarding his action, the inspector not only tried to force the reporter out physically but also verbally abused him.
The police official also challenged the reporter and his publication to seek action against him. All this while, Mr. Ramesh had refused to check any documents, including the accreditation card of the journalist. After deliberately wasting a few minutes, Mr. Ramesh said the reporter should remain outside the venue till another member of the fraternity identified him. Finally, when suggestion was made to the inspector by another journalist to follow protocol and check for the identification proof, Mr. Ramesh budged and allowed the reporter but without checking any documents.
Probe ordered
Incharge Commissioner of Cyberabad Mahesh Bhagwat ordered an inquiry into the incident. Cyberabad’s Joint Commissioner of Police Shahnawaz Qasim was asked to submit a report on the issue.
Meanwhile, secretary general of the Telangana State Union of Working Journalists (TSUWJ) Virahath Ali condemned the behaviour of Mr. Ramesh and demanded stringent action against him.
