Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh seems to be locked in irksome position following the dare-devil exposure of the nexus prevailed in the state between police officers and red-sander smugglers, by a senior police officer. Moreover, it was exposed by the DIG Dr M Kantha Rao, picked up by the Chief Minister him-self to tackle menace of red-sanders smugglers in Seshachalam forests of his own Chittoor district.
Dr Kantha Rao, who was appointed two years ago as chief of the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) was credited of taking pro-active steps to check the menace and also succeeded in checking to large extent. However, two days ago in an alleged “off the record” admission, he exposed the nexus prevailed in the government, which was highlighted by a vernacular newspaper, yesterday.
Expressing his disapproval for going to the media without reporting to him with regard to alleged nexus, DGP N Sambasiva Rao said last evening that Kantha Rao was served explanation notice. Stating that police force is governed by strict discipline procedures, he felt that “He should have first discussed it with me in case he has any evidence. We have sought an explanation from him,” the DGP said.
However, Deputy Chief Minister N Chinna Rajappa, who holds the home portfolio, in a solidarity tone announced that a probe will be ordered into the “allegations” levelled by Kantha Rao. “It is true that some police officers were helping the smugglers in looting the national treasure. But, such activities have come down after the TDP government took stringent measures. However, we will order a probe immediately,” he said.
The DIG at a meeting of the task force, forest and police officials in Tirupati had reportedly regretted that several police officers were hand in glove with red sanders smugglers. He also quoted an incident where a SP was caught red-handedly while carrying red sandalwood pieces in his own vehicle, but later a CC, one SI and constables were suspended leaving him free.
Likewise, an ASP who had made wild allegations against the taskforce was caught red-handed while taking Rs 5 lakh to sign on a file. But all such officers are being promoted, he deplored. Incidentally, all such malicious police officers are reportedly having political patronage.
