Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday warned of disciplinary action against lower rung police staff going on mass casual leave on June 4 as a mark of protest against the government’s failure to fulfill their demands.

“The police department is known for discipline and is committed to ensure law and order, peace and harmony and safety of the public and properties. Violation of the department’s order of not going on leave will be viewed as gross indiscipline and stern action will be taken against those violating the order,” Siddaramaiah said after holding a meeting with senior police officers.

“The president of an unregistered association has called for the bandh. Some outsiders, some trade unions and BJP are backing the lower rung. The government is committed to the welfare of the constabulary. The lower rung staff can discuss their grievances with the higher-ups. I appeal to the constabulary not to be instigated by anyone,” he said. 

The department has identified some forces instigating the lower rung and action will be taken against such forces, he said and criticised the BJP’s attempt to take political advantage of the situation. 

“Government employees have decided to stage a protest on June 2 and the government will hold discussions with the office-bearers of the employees’ organisations,” he said.

Home Minister G Parameshwara, chief secretary Aravind Jadhav and DG&IPG Omprakash were present.

Omprakash said that the department would consider provisions under Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act-1966, IPC, Karnataka Police Manual, Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act 2013 and Karnataka Police Act and take action, including suspension, dismissal and levying of fine, against those violating the order. 

The Health and Family Welfare director issued a circular directing the health officers not to issue medical certificates to any lower rung staff, unless there are genuine grounds.

The All India and Trade Union Congress leaders and AAP have expressed support to the lower rung staff and demanded that the government fulfill the demands. 

They also supported the government employees’ stir on June 2.

The office-bearers of the Karnataka Rajya Police Sangha have met Om Prakash and submitted a memorandum, listing out the lower rung staff’s grievances and measures needed to address them.