Two constables attempt immolation outside DGP office

Claim harassment by superiors; SP denies charge

A policeman trying to set himself ablaze in Chennai.

Tense moments prevailed outside the office of the Director-General of Police (DGP) near the Marina beach after two police constables from Theni district — Ragu and Ganesh — doused themselves in kerosene and attempted suicide on Wednesday evening. They claimed that they were targeted by their superiors.

Around 5.30 p.m., two constables from Theni District Armed Reserve came out of the DGP office. They identified themselves as Ragu and Ganesh to a group of television reporters who had gathered there.

Transferred to Ramnad

They said that they were from the 2013 batch and had worked in the Armed Reserve in Chennai. “We were recently transferred to our home town Theni. However, a few days ago we were transferred to Ramanathapuram and were asked to leave the same afternoon,” claimed Mr. Ragu. He said that despite requesting the officers to give some time, it was denied.

“There is no departmental action against us. Despite this we have been transferred,” said Mr. Ragu. The duo also alleged caste based discrimination.

After speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Ragu and Mr. Ganesh doused themselves in kerosene from the can they brought with them. A few policemen overpowered and snatched the can from them. Some other policemen poured water on them and dragged them away into the DGP office premises.

The two were taken to the neighbouring Marina police station where they were interrogated for over two hours.

Meanwhile, Theni Superintendent of Police V. Baskaran told reporters that neither punishment nor disciplinary action was initiated against four constables, who were transferred to Ramanathapuram from Theni. Only departmental action was taken against them, he said ruling out political or caste background in their transfer. He said that it was an opportunity for them to realise their mistakes and correct themselves.

“They did not obey superiors, report for duty in time. They failed to attend duty even in an emergency. Above all, they did not obey orders of superior officers despite repeated warnings,” he said.

According to him, Mr. Ganesh was transferred to Theni from the Nilgiris district on October 24, 2016. His increment was stopped on the charges of imprisoning an accused, who had ganja with him as he was escorting him from Uthamapalayam Court on January 19, 2017 and for participating in Jallikattu held at Pallavarayanpatti village on February 12, 2017 in uniform. On December 19, 2017, he was absent without informing the duty in-charge at Kuchanur.

Mr. Ragu, who was also transferred to Theni AR from Chennai, had switched off his mobile phone while on duty. He did not stay in AR quarters and absent for duty during emergency.

He said two more were also transferred to Ramanathapuram. Jegadeesan, who was transferred to Theni AR from Chennai on November 24, 2016 often used to quarrel with officers who refused to allot duty as per his wish.

Police constable Dinesh Kumar, who came from Chennai to Theni AR, gave false information for not attending duty. Action had been initiated against him for not reporting to duty in time. On December 6, 2017, he did not report to duty and prevented his counterparts from reporting to SI Gani. They created bad image to the Theni AR, the SP claimed.

Want posting near hometown

Even as the two were being enquired, police constables said that getting leave or transfers was an ordeal in the police department. “My child is in Madurai and I am posted in Chennai. I last saw him in October. Even if I have to take a leave for his birthday, I have to produce his birth certificate and other supporting documents,” said a constable.

Constables like her claim that they know the police job is arduous. “But a day’s leave can be granted for us. Besides, if we are posted near our hometown, we can visit our families and this will be a great stress buster. A senior police officer said that genuine grievances are given due attention.

People in need of counselling can contact the Health Department’s helpline – 104. Chennai-based suicide prevention centre Sneha can be contacted at 044-24640050.