Police ‘Manhandle’ Two TV Journos In Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Two journalists from electronic media were allegedly manhandled by police personnel at Gandhi Bhavan here on Friday, following which Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy ordered an inquiry into the incident.

In a video footage, a group of policemen were purportedly seen pushing aside the journalists and arguing with them. The journalists claimed they had gone to Gandhi Bhavan to cover the protest/rally organised by the contractual lecturers of government junior and degree colleges against the alleged delay in fulfilling their demands, especially the long-pending one for regularisation of services. Following the incident, a group of journalists called upon the city police commissioner and sought action against the policemen for "manhandling" the two journalists and "misbehaving" with them.

Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy

Necessary disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry report.

"An inquiry has been ordered into the alleged incident of manhandling of members of the media by police in the process of arresting agitators at Gandhi Bhavan in morning," the police commissioner said. The DCP (Central Zone) has been appointed as inquiry officer and has been asked to submit his report at the earliest after conducting a detailed enquiry, he said.

In a related development, a sub-inspector of Task Force, Thimappa has been withdrawn from duty and is asked to report in Head Office pending receipt of enquiry report, he added.