The Andhra Pradesh Police Officers’ Association on Thursday strongly condemned the remarks made by YSR Congress party president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy describing some senior police authorities as “mafia dons.”
Taking exception to Jagan’s comments, asociation president Janakula Srinivasa Rao said it has become a trend for political parties to target the police in every issue.
He asserted that the police system exists to safeguard the law-and-order machinery said it was inappropriate for a former CM to allege conspiracies against him over lack of protection.
Srinivasa Rao warned that no one is above the law and everyone must understand that.
He questioned the rationale behind targeting the DGP, recalling that during the YSRCP government too, cases were filed and arrests made against those who acted illegally.
He pointed out that transferring police officers to the VR list (waiting for posting) was common under the previous government.
He condemned Jagan’s remarks that police were “sharing commissions” with MLAs and ministers and objected to labeling a DIG-level officer as a “don.”
He emphasized that law and order were under control under the current DGP’s leadership, and while mistakes may happen in the police department, tarnishing the entire force is unacceptable.
Srinivasa Rao said the police do not favour any individual or political party.
“We operate strictly within the law, irrespective of which government is in power. Legal remedies are available to anyone facing grievances due to police actions,” he said.
He said Jagan is being provided security as per protocol. He clarified that IPS officer Siddharth Kaushal resigned for personal reasons and denounced attempts to blame the DGP or the government for it.
He warned, "Whoever insults our police system, we will respond firmly."
He noted that the association has approached the government regarding pending dues and stressed that repeatedly attacking the police in every controversy hurts their morale.
He added that both Jagan in the past and Chandrababu now have been requested to grant a special PRC for police personnel.
