The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : I am a victim of TDP campaign: Meena

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 22, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

I am a victim of TDP campaign: Meena

N. Rahul

Says party resented his actions against Paritala Ravi IGP claims to have `solid evidence' to prove that a district committee member of Maoists, Sadu Ramesh Reddy, took shelter in Ravi's house in Anantapur a month before the MLA's assassination.

HYDERABAD: The Inspector General of Police, Rayalaseema, R.P. Meena, said he was the victim of a malicious campaign by the Telugu Desam leadership which resented the "firm steps" he had taken against its slain MLA, Paritala Ravi.

He said he was prepared for a debate wherein he could clarify his position, if permitted by the State Government. It could be an open platform or a TV channel, he told The Hindu on Saturday.

Rues lack of support

Mr. Meena was critical of the IPS Officers Association for not coming to his rescue when he had come under constant attack from the TDP. "Look at the IAS Officers Association. Thirty five to forty IAS officers went to the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, to represent on behalf of their colleague, Shalini Mishra, when the case against her was booked by the police," he said.

The IGP said he had `solid evidence' to prove that a district committee member of Maoists, Sadu Ramesh Reddy, took shelter in the house of Paritala Ravi at Venkatapuram village in Anantapur a month before the MLA's assassination. Ravi wanted Ramesh Reddy to take over the leadership of Reorganising Committee (ROC), the breakaway group of erstwhile People's War, from Pothula Suresh, Mr. Meena said. He added that Ravi's wife Sunitha, who was the TDP candidate for Penukonda byelection, was aware of this, Mr. Meena said.

He added that Ravi maintained close contacts with extremists even after his surrender. The TDP president, N. Chandrababu Naidu, knew about his activities but did not initiate any action against him.

A number of extremists also joined the funeral procession of Ravi, he said.

The extremist elements were responsible for the stone pelting and subsequent violence leading to police firing in Penukonda. They instigated the crowd to indulge in violence to damage evidence, he added.

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