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Perched on telecom tower, jawan takes on the Army

Insists defence minister should redress his grievances
Last Updated 18 August 2012, 19:39 IST

 An Indian Army jawan, who climbed up a 200-feet telecom tower outside New Delhi railway station on Friday, is still protesting against alleged harassment by his seniors and is adamant on speaking to the Union defence minister A K Antony, police said on Saturday.

K Muthu Kumar, 35, a sepoy with 69 Engineer Regiment based in Rajasthan’s Kota district, was still up at the tower in central Delhi’s Ajmeri Gate till late Saturday evening.
 According to a senior police official, food and water are being supplied to him and he is being counselled by Army officials. Delhi Fire Service are on standby, with their ladders placed near the tower. But police are awaiting further orders from senior officials.
For the past two days, Muthu has been demanding assurance from Antony that he will not be transferred frequently for different postings.

“I will not come down until an inquiry over my complaints is ordered by the defence minister,” Muthu insisted on Saturday.

In a note that Muthu gave to mediapersons on Friday, he alleged that his casual leave was cancelled and another army official was alloted his government accommodation.
He further claims his leave was cut short earlier when he wanted to go to his village after his father’s death in 2009.

“I had asked for three days, but got just one day to attend my father’s funeral. After I returned, the audit department cut my salary,” the note says.

Cops say Muthu, who was recruited in October 1998, threatens to jump from the tower if the rescue team tries to bring him down. “We have been patient with Muthu as he had pulled off a similar stunt in Bangalore. So, we believe that he is trying to seek attention and will come down himself without taking any extreme step,” the official added.

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(Published 18 August 2012, 19:39 IST)

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