JOIN USMore than 1,000 city cops apply for mass leave
With less than a week left for the protest (June 4) called by Karnataka Police Mahasangha, not less than 1,500 police personnel are said to have applied for mass leave through their immediate superiors.
According to the sources, the police personnel who have sought leave include assistant sub-inspectors, head constables and constables. The men have applied for leave in a format dispatched to every station from the Sangha. As per the format, the men taking part in the protest have mentioned their names, along with their badge numbers and designation before signing. If granted leave, they will stage a protest at a select venue, seeking fulfilment of their demands.
According to a constable, who preferred anonymity, even sub-inspectors were willing to be a part of the protest, but stepped back fearing disciplinary action. On Saturday, a top officer in the city even tried to convince the men at a particular station, but to no avail.
When contacted, Police Commissioner B Dayananda denied receiving any applications, seeking leave en masse. “In fact, mass leave is not permitted in the Police department. If any men want leave, they should mention personal reasons, that may be considered, depending on its veracity,” he said.
Superintendent of Police Abhinav Khare said, “So far, nobody has applied for leave. However, we are trying to convince the constabulary to air their grievances, if any. Accordingly, they are submitting their demands in writing. The demands include more leave facilities to spend time with family, restricted work hours, etc.”
The City Police commissionerate, that has completed the silver jubilee year, has a 3,000-men strong force with 17 law and order stations and five traffic stations. The district force comprises 1,700 personnel.