The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Political pressure works on police action

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 07, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Political pressure works on police action

By Our Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR, MAY 6. Political influence coupled with pressure from higher-ups is stated to be hindering the district police from proceeding with the proper course action in the case of the alleged attack and attempt of murder on a Congress polling agent at Nagasamudram village in Penukonda constituency on April 26 by the Telugu Desam Party leader, Paritala Ravindra, and others.

According to sources, the police have already collected sufficient evidence on the attack besides gathering some crucial information through questioning of the police personnel, who were on duty as part of the security provided by the Government and the shadow party set up for the elections, and villagers of Nagasamudram.

The investigating officer is also learnt to have sought opinion of the forensic professor on the wounds inflicted on the body of S. Gangadhar, the Congress poll agent, who is currently being treated at the Kurnool General Hospital, as to whether the injuries were caused by any fire arm or by any other weapon or tool.

However, the forensic professor's opinion is yet to be received by the probing authority. The sources stated that the forensic opinion would not hold much ground in initiating action against the accused. Action could be initiated by arresting the accused any time even with the slight ease of pressure and influence.

While the victim had been alleging that Mr. Ravindra had shot him on his leg and hand, initial medical opinion was that the injuries were not caused by bullets. The police was reviewing the personal arms licences held by TDP leaders in the wake of the victim's allegation.

The role of shadow parties to the politicians during the elections is also under scrutiny after the Nagasamudram incident as the shadow party concerned was learnt to have not followed Mr. Ravindra on the day of polling.

Sources stated that, Mr. Ravindra, the main accused in the case, had not applied for anticipatory bail so far, indicating that he was ready to stay behind the bars for some days in case he was punised and gain some public sympathy.

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Andhra Pradesh