The Hindu : Atrocities: complaints of inaction against cops

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 02, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Atrocities: complaints of inaction against cops

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, FEB. 1. The Chairman of the State SC/ST Commission, K. Punnaiah, said on Saturday that he received hundreds of complaints during his recent district visits along with members about `lack of action' by the DSPs concerned regarding atrocities.

Mr. Punnaiah entered the building premises of the new Commission in the Housing Board complex along with five members and the Social Welfare Minister, J. R. Pushpa Raj, after garlanding portraits of B. R. Ambedkar and Jagjivanram. The accommodation consists of a court hall wherein he will conduct hearings in future for disposing of cases.

Speaking to reporters after occupying the chair, he said, as per the rules at present, it was the SI concerned who was required to file FIR in case of any atrocity and this would have to be followed up by the DSP of the area. However, many DSPs failed to do their job.

Mr. Punnaiah opined that the powers and functions of the Commission would be known only during the course of its functioning. It would function well if there was cooperation from officials, especially the police. Replying to another query, he said, ensuring SC benefits to Dalit Christians was not within the purview of the commission.

Earlier, the Minister said that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the State had high expectations about the Commission and sought the Chairman and its members to make Andhra Pradesh free from atrocities.

The members, T. V. Narayana, K. Nagiah, N. Jayaraju, Ajmira Raunaik and C. Vijayamma, were also present.

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Andhra Pradesh