Sacked AP constable launches solo bicycle rally seeking pending dues of policemen, held

Anantapur: A former Armed Reserve police constable, K. Prakash, who has been dismissed from service, was held near Clock Tower in Anantapur district for taking out a "bicycle rally" demanding the state pay the unpaid dues of police personnel.

Holding a placard that read "CM Jagan Sir, Save AP Police, Grant SLS, ASLS, TA (Travelling Allowance), DA (Dearness Allowance)" and a national flag, Prakash was cycling to Vijayawada. The police said he had no permission to take up a bicycle rally.

Prakash had earlier been dismissed from service on charges of cheating a woman.

Speaking to the media, Prakasa said, "The government has not paid any pending dues, DA, or surrender dues to the police. This being a festival season, no pending dues were given and we are suffering." According to him, 358 constables have been dismissed by the present government so far. "Similar is my situation. I was also dismissed for demanding pending dues," he added.

Prakash is accused of several charges. Anantapur superintendent of police Fakkeerappa said during the time of his dismissal, 12 memos were served to Prakash for misconduct or dereliction of duty. In 2019, Prakash had threatened to take his own life in front of the Anantapur district collector's vehicle, alleging harassment by his seniors in the police department. A few months ago, he lodged a complaint against Anantapur SP Fakeerappa and two deputy SPs under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Prakash, however, said all the charges against him are allegations and demanded he be reinstated to his post.