Top cops downplay proposed stir by subordinate staff

Warn that protesting staff can even be jailed as per law

The top police brass on Friday downplayed the move by lower-rung staff to take mass casual leave on June 4 as a mark of protest, seeking fulfillment of various demands.

They warned of initiating legal, criminal and administrative action against those “crossing the limits of discipline’’.

“ We have not received any leave requests so far. The higher-ups at districts will take suitable action. There won’t be any protests on June 4. The government will soon clarify some of the issues,” Director General & Inspector General of Police Om Prakash told Deccan Herald.

“None in the police department is planning any protest. Some outsiders claim that cops would go on a strike. The reports that about 15,000 constables have processed leave requests is an exaggeration. Some disgruntled men in the force may do so, but the department will take stern action agains such staff,” a senior officer said.

There are provisions to take legal, criminal and administrative action. The department will consider all these measures. The law permits the department to even imprison the protesting staff and the offence can be non-bailable, the officer said.

Adequate measures
He said sufficient measures have been taken for the welfare of the constabulary. The recruitment  process is on, weekly offs are given and Rs 200 allowance is given for those working on the day of their weekly off. The police personnel can’t demand regular weekly offs as they need to work during emergencies, he added.

The SPs and DCPs have been directed to reject leave requests which by lower rung staff. “Those who have already applied for leave on June 4 in view of unavoidable circumstances will be permitted granted leave,” the officer said.

Senior officers came down heavily on V Shashidhar, a former policeman, for planning the protest.

“This man doesn’t even know the facilities extended to the constabulary in the last two years. His only motto is to steal the show. Karnataka is one of the States where constables are enjoying maximum benefits,” another officer said.