Karnataka deploys Central forces ahead of police protest
Synopsis
Karnataka has roped in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and central security forces to ensure the law and order situation is handled effectively during the mass strike called in by the state police on June 4.
CISF, Central Security Staff and Home Guards are being deployed at strategic points to face any eventualities.
Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) Om Prakash said senior police personnel are still in discussion with striking junior police personnel.
DG&IG Prakash has said that senior officers after visiting every district have been assured by the local stations that the many police personnel will not be joining in the June 4 protest. Prakash said that the lower ranking personnel were being waylaid by “external forces”.
Case of arson, treachery register against protest leader:
V. Shashidhar, president of All Karnataka Police Employees Federation has been arrested on charges of treachery, causing arson and unrest in the society.
The Yelahanka police have registered a case against Shashidhar under Karnataka Police Force Act-1966, vide section 4 clause 166 and 124 A (treachery), 109 (forming group and association unlawfully, causing public unrest) ESMA-5, IPS 120B (illegal activities)
V. Shashidhar, who echoed problems faced by the police constables and vociferously voiced their concerns, was arrested on Wednesday from his house. He was produced before the Court and taken into 14 days judicial custody.
Dorairaju, Shashidhar’s advocate said that the police arrersted V Shashidhar soon after passing ESMA, which is a gross injustice and unconstitutional. If the CM and Home Minister don’t intervene in this case, legal fight would continue and indirectly CM would be held responsible for the unrest in the state.
A farmer’s body also has come out in support of Shashidhar. “We condemn the arrest of Shashidhar. The authorities should withdraw ESMA and issues should be sorted out through a dialogue. Civic rights should be honoured by the government. Shashidhar gets all support from us,” Kodihalli Chandrashekar, president, State Farmers’ Association.