JOIN USSurprise visits during Dalit grievances meetings: SP
Addressing the monthly grievances hearing meeting of Dalits at the police guest house on Sunday, he said he would ask the circle inspectors and sub-divisional level officers to pay surprise visits to the station-level Dalit leaders’ meetings, which were held once in three months.
Sheshappa, one of the participants, complained that the meetings were not being held regularly and properly. “In many stations, they are conducted for name sake. There are also incidents where police officials simply take signatures of some Dalits and keep a record to show that the meeting has been conducted,” he said.
Dr Rao also assured that he would take steps to see that the station-level meetings were held regularly, in an expected manner.
Neelaya, a Dalit leader, said that the complaints filed in the absence of the Sub-Inspector in Moodabidre police station were not followed up in a proper manner.
“The staff in the station just receive the complaints and keep aside. Asked what happened to them later, they just say “You bring the accused, and we’ll arrest them”! They also seek bribe to settle down certain cases,” he alleged.
However, he appreciated the SI for her timely and quick actions with regard to any complaints. “We are not in a situation to complain her against the staff there,” Neelaya rued.
Reacting to this, the SP said he would recommend the transfer of such dishonest staff in the station after verifying the facts.
Krishnananda, another Dalit leader, said that there had been no development in the investigations on the murder of a Dalit member, Mohan Ranya of Kinnigoli. Dr Rao said the file had not been closed and the probe was still on.
“The investigations are not complete due to lack of clues. Since the murder took place, apparently, without any reasons, the culprits could not be traced,” he clarified.
He also said any Dalit member could contact him or his colleagues directly on their mobile phones in case of emergency.
Additional SP R Dileep, DySPs D Dharmaiah, Suresh R Naidu, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement Cell SP Mithra Heraje were present on the occasion.