Maoists behind Chalo Tankbund says Hyderabad police chief Anjani Kumar

Hyderabad: Hyderabad police chief Anjani Kumar made startling remarks which grabbed the attention of many. He claimed that the ' Chalo Tankbund' protest call given by the striking RTC employees was supported by Maoists.

"The employee unions were supported by Maoist frontal organizations directly and by the Maoists directly. They (referring to the employees ) resorted to stone-pelting and violence against police", said Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar.

Justifying the lathi-charge and use of tear gas against the protestors, the city police chief said, "This was the last option left for the forces to bring the situation under control. Besides striking employees, police personnel including an additional Deputy Commissioner of police from the City Armed Reserve have injured in the stone-pelting incidents at the tank bund".

The Hyderabad police have registered cases against protestors. The cops are also reviewing the CCTV footage to identify those who are involved in stone-pelting and violent acts during the protest.

The Hyderabad police had denied permission to the RTC employee unions for Chalo Hyderabad. Police claim that permission was denied following intelligent inputs that the unions have joined hands with Maoist groups. There was intel that members from Maoist frontal organization would take part in the Chalo Hyderabad protest to create law and order issues, claimed police. "Since Friday night, we have been communicating to the people through media and social media platforms about the restrictions and appealed them not to take part in the protests. But the employees went out of control and resorted to violence, leaving police with no option but to use tear gas shells. Despite repeated appeals to maintain calm and stay away, the protestors charged towards tank bund, resorting to violence, added the police chief Anjani Kumar