Many are observing Roza, keep in mind: T Home minister to Hyd cops

Hyderabad: Telangana Home minister Mohd. Mahmood Ali, on 29 April, directed the police to be patient while enforcing the lockdown rules and avoid assaulting people.

The minister convened a meeting with top cops of the city police a day after two constables were suspended for beating up a man distributing food during the lockdown.

According to the official statement issued by the Home minister’s office, Mr Mahmood Ali told the commissioner of police Anjani Kumar and his deputies to direct cops on lockdown duty to be patient while dealing with commuters.

“People are already facing hardships due to the Corona pandemic. Those stepping out to procure essentials should be dealt with refrain and patience. Proper counselling should be rendered by the police to cops deployed on lockdown duties," he said.

The minister further said, “ The month of Ramzan has commenced. Many are observing Roza (fasting) and this should be kept in mind."

The head of the Telangana police has directed cops to inspect at least two police stations under his jurisdiction and issue instructions to station officers and staff, including police constables, to exercise patience while enforcing lockdown rules and avoid assaulting people.

The deputy commissioner of police of Hyderabad commissionerate has been directed to conduct surprise visits to various police stations and ensure that the instructions are followed.

"The state's efforts to fight the pandemic have been appreciated by all sections of the society. While 99.9 per cent of the police are maintaining restraint a few cops are bringing a bad name not only to the police department but also to the government," said the Home minister.

Hyderabad cops assault man for distributing food to needy, suspended

A good Samaritan from Tolichowki who was distributing food to the needy, homeless, and even police personnel on bandobast duties, was beaten up on 28 April. The man sustained severe injuries on his face.

Junaid, associated with Salt and Pepper restaurant at Shaikpet in Tolichowki, had to get at least 11 sutures for the injury. As the images of the bleeding victim went viral, senior officers took a serious note of the incident. Hyderabad police commissioner Ajani Kumar issued orders to suspend home guard Hanumanthu who was allegedly involved in the incident and also issued a charge memo to the inspector of the Golconda police station Chandrashekar “ for not property briefing his subordinates on discharging their duties”.

According to sources, Junaid, along with his brother, were distributing food and other essential items to the poor at Shaikpet and surrounding areas. They were on their way to distribute food on Tuesday when the cops stopped their vehicle at a check-post. There, an argument broke out between the victim and the officers, this resulted in Hyderabad commissioner suspending two officials.