Andhra Pradesh dismisses SP allegedly involved in hostage case

A senior police officer who was taken "hostage" by a dismissed constable here was today suspended on charges of "involvement in the hostage".

Andhra Pradesh government which placed Police Transport Organisation SP E Lakshmi Narayana, under suspension, pending initiation of disciplinary proceedings, took note of the report of an inquiry officer appointed by DGP V Dinesh Reddy, which probed the "abduction" incident.

"After careful consideration of the available material and having due regard to circumstances of the case, the government was satisfied that it was necessary to place Lakshmi Narayana under suspension for involvement in the hostage issue colluding with Giriprasad Sarma, which tarnished the image of the police department," the principal secretary said today.
The Government Order issued on the SP's suspension further ordered that Narayana should not leave headquarters without obtaining the prior permission.

K N Giriprasad Sarma who held the SP "captive" to protest alleged harassment, on September 12, at a lodge here for nearly four hours, had released him after the DGP, through a telephone conversation, finally persuaded in this regard.

Sarma, who had reportedly stated that he was being harassed by superior officers and the alleged corruption in PTO, was yesterday arrested by the Saifabad police.

He was removed from service on October 12 under the constitutional provisions of Article
311 on the charge of kidnapping the SP.

Besides, there were also some proven allegations against him, official sources said.