"Are Andhra Pradesh police mercenaries of the ruling YSRCP?" asks AP Congress chief Sharmila

Feb 16, 2024

Amaravathi (Andhra Pradesh) [India], February 16 : YS Sharmila Reddy, the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee chief, on Friday, criticized the alleged use of force by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) members in Sattenapalli, questioning whether they would continue to carry out attacks with impunity.
Tension prevailed at Thondapi in Sattenapalli constituency when YSRCP activists allegedly hurled stones at a rally organised by TDP candidate and former minister Kanna Lakshminarayana on January 29.
Sharmila called for an immediate response from the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the incident.
She questioned the role of the police force in serving the people versus the ruling party.
In the aftermath of a democratic protest, concerns were raised about potential violence and whether dissenting voices would face aggression.
She questioned the identity of the police, asking if they were serving the public or acting as mercenaries for the ruling party.
Additionally, she emphasized the need for swift action against police personnel who engage in indiscriminate beating, advocating for their immediate suspension.
The overarching concern voiced by Reddy is the need for accountability and transparency within the police force, urging authorities to uphold democratic values and protect citizens' right to peaceful protest.