Is the TDP Government Manipulating Police to Enforce Its ‘Red Book' Constitution in Andhra?

Amaravati, June 3 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and President of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, made serious allegations on Tuesday, claiming that the ‘Red Book' constitution in Andhra Pradesh is slipping out of control.

Jagan referred to the 'Red Book' maintained by state minister Nara Lokesh, which reportedly lists individuals who allegedly mistreated TDP leaders and supporters during the tenure of YSRCP.

He accused the coalition government led by TDP of misusing the police to impose its ‘Red Book' constitution and to intimidate those who dare to question the government’s actions.

Speaking to the press in Tenali, Guntur district, Jagan addressed the families of three young men who were recently subjected to public police brutality.

He stated that the state is witnessing numerous incidents of police misconduct, where Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his party target political adversaries, including former ministers, MLAs, and party workers.

The YSRCP chief highlighted the case of three young men from Dalit and minority communities who were violently assaulted in public by police.

The individuals, identified as Chebrolu John Victor (25), Karimullah (21), and Doma Rakesh (25), were reportedly beaten with sticks by police officers. A video circulating on social media shows police striking the three men while they were seated on the ground.

The families recounted to Jagan the torture they endured at the hands of the police and presented photographs and reports as evidence.

Jagan revealed that Rakesh, employed as a delivery boy in Hyderabad, had returned to Tenali regarding an old case. His friends John, a junior lawyer, and Karimullah traveled from Mangalagiri to meet him.

On April 24, a police constable in civilian clothes instigated a confrontation, prompting the trio to question the constable's behavior. The three were subsequently taken to the Tenali police station the next day and assaulted. On April 26, they faced public beatings from the police.

Jagan accused the police of planting a knife in John’s pocket to fabricate charges against him, and of opening rowdy sheets against all three youths.

The former chief minister demanded to know who authorized the police to publicly assault the youths.

“While there may be allegations against anyone, it does not justify public beatings. Can the police disregard the law?” he queried, highlighting that Chandrababu Naidu himself faces 24 charges.

Upon his arrival in the town, Jagan was met by a large crowd of supporters from the YSRCP who greeted him enthusiastically.

With hands clasped in gratitude, Jagan acknowledged the cheers from his supporters from the door of his vehicle.

However, some Dalit groups protested against Jagan's visit to Telangana, accusing him of neglecting a family of a deceased individual during YSRCP's governance while extending support to rowdy elements.