Hyderabad, July 7: A Police Sub-Inspector who ingested pesticides due to alleged workplace harassment a week ago, succumbed at a hospital on Sunday. Sriramula Srinivas, 38, was serving at Aswaraopet police station in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
Srinivas reportedly consumed pesticides in Mahabubabad on June 30, unable to endure the harassment from his superior and four colleagues. He died in the early hours at a private hospital in Hyderabad. A resident of Warangal district, Srinivas is survived by his wife, a seven-year-old daughter, and a five-year-old son.
Authorities recorded a statement from the Dalit police officer, in which he elucidated his reasons for the suicide attempt. Following a complaint lodged by Srinivas’ wife, Krishnaveni, police filed charges against Circle Inspector (CI) Jitender Reddy and constables Sanyasi Naidu, Subhani, Shekhar, and Shiva Nagaraju under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The bereaved family accuses the CI and his colleagues of attempting to malign Srinivas’ reputation by falsely depicting him as corrupt, further compounding his distress with news articles and charge memos. The officer was transferred to Aswaraopet from Manuguru Police Station in February of this year.
Dalit organizations are demanding strict action against those implicated in Srinivas’ death. Mala Mahanadu state president Pilli Sudhakar emphasized that harassment and discrimination against Dalit officers have been on the rise within the police system.
Responding to the situation, higher authorities have transferred CI Jitender Reddy, reassigning him to the office of the Inspector General. The four constables have also been reallocated to the office of the Superintendent of Police.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised urgent calls for comprehensive measures to address systemic discrimination within law enforcement agencies.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/07/07/unable-to-bear-harassment-telangana-cop-ends-life/
Category : NATIONAL
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