The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Jana defends Collector's transfer

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 30, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Jana defends Collector's transfer

By Our Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA, AUG. 29. The Home Minister, K. Jana Reddy, on Sunday, defended the Government's decision to transfer the district Collector, K. Prabhakar Reddy, following stampede in which four persons were killed and 15 others injured.

Speaking to reporters at the incident site, the Home Minister, however, said the Government would `re-examine' the disciplinary action initiated against the officials, once the inquiry commission submitted its report.

Sympathy for Collector

The remarks assume significance in the wake of sympathy for the district Collector, as it was widely perceived that the official had been made a `scapegoat to deflect criticism from opposition parties." It was felt that the railings were installed by the Irrigation Department for which the Collector could not be faulted. Interestingly, none had specifically mentioned about the transfer of the city Police Commissioner, T. Krishna Prasad, who assumed charge only two months ago.

Despite a volley of questions on the issue, Mr. Reddy did not specify whether the Government would reconsider the action against Mr. Prabhakar Reddy.

`Negligence'

Referring to the criticism that no policeman was present at the stampede site at the time of the incident, the Home Minister admitted that it amounted to negligence of duty on the part of the department personnel and said that action would taken based on the findings of the inquiry.

At the same time, he felt that the police personnel, though working hard for the pushkarams, could not anticipate such a huge crowd during the wee hours of the day.

Instructions

Mr Reddy, however, said that strict instructions had now been issued to ensure that utmost vigil was maintained by the department to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

After visiting the spot, Mr. Reddy went to the city Police Commissioner's office where he was closeted with senior police officials.

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Andhra Pradesh