NERELLA (RJANNA-SIRCILLA DISTRICT)/ KARIMNAGAR: Following public outcry and protests launched by political parties and organisations, National SC/ST Commission member visited the eight youth of Nerella, who were allegedly tortured by Sircilla police for their alleged involvement in the torching of sand-laden trucks, and recorded their statements. They also met their family members and recorded their statements.
Based on a complaint by BJP state president K Lakshman on the alleged police torture, the commission member K Ramulu visited Nerella Grama Panchayat on Wednesday and spoke to the victims’ family members.
He heard the version of the families of the victims for over three hours and assured them that justice would be done and stringent action would be taken against the erring officials.
He was not satisfied with the explanations given by SP Vishwajit Kampati and other police personnel. He told media that he would recommend to the Commission to immediately direct the state government to transfer the SP and suspend the CI and SI responsible for the torture.
The families blamed the SP for the incident and accused him of instructing his subordinates to use third degree against their children. They accused the SP and other police officials of threatening and abusing them in the name of caste.
The SP who was present at the meeting, denied police excesses. He claimed that his men did not violate the law and followed all procedures before arresting the people. However, he had no answer for the injuries sustained by the victims. The Commission also recorded the statements of the SP and other police officials.
The Commission expressed surprise to note that all the police personnel were giving different versions of the same incident. While the villagers are claiming that their family members were picked up by police on July 4, police said they arrested them on July 7 and produced before the court on July 8.
The SP even produced videos and pictures of the incident and when the Commission member asked about the incident site scene, the SP said he cannot disclose facts in public and that it would be submitted to the Commission. He said the police identified 24 members involved in the incident and another 15 members are yet to be identified.
Victims requested the Commission to ensure justice or else they would commit suicide. “Kindly see that all the arrested are released and the charges framed against them are withdrawn,” they appealed to the member.
Later, speaking to media, the Commission member said they would be submitting a detailed report to the Commission on the entire incident and see that justice is done.
He said he would recommend to the Commission to announce Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for each victim’s family or three acres land and a government job.