Probe ordered into manhandling of accused at Peddavaduguru police station in Anantapur dist

Tirupati: Anantapur SP P Jagadeesh has ordered an enquiry by a DSP-rank officer into the allegations of manhandling an accused at the Peddavaduguru police station on April 20. The incident video went viral on various social media platforms, drawing criticism and public outrage, following which the probe was ordered.Police said several complaints were lodged by farmers, alleging that some unidentified elements were setting fire to haystack loads preserved by them at Peddavaduguru and nearby villages over the last few days. Peddavaduguru police stepped up surveillance with the help of drone cameras and caught the accused, identified as Sudhakar, while he was trying to set on fire a haystack load near Peddavaduguru village. When the accused was being taken to the police station, angry farmers demanded that Sudhakar be handed over to them, holding him responsible for their losses. As the pressure mounted, Peddavaduguru SI Anjaneyulu pulled out a lathi and caned Sudhakar near the police station premises. The incident, which was recorded by some locals, went viral later. Several Dalit groups also criticised the manner in which police indiscriminately caned a middle-aged man belonging to the community. Taking serious note of the allegations, Anantapur SP ordered an enquiry into the incident and asserted that appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the outcome of the enquiry.