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Hyderabad: For the first time in recent history in Telangana, at least 10 personnel from the Telangana Special Police (TGSP) have been dismissed from service, and 39 others have been suspended for their involvement in protests and strikes in public spaces across the state, including Hyderabad.
On Saturday, TGSP constables staged protests in various locations, responding to an alleged comment made by a senior official, who asked the spouse of a constable, "Who asked you to marry a TGSP constable?" The wives of these constables have been protesting for several days, highlighting the 'inhuman' working conditions their spouses endure. They are demanding fair treatment and solutions to the issues faced by their husbands, including exhausting work schedules.
The dismissed personnel included constables, head constables and also an ASI from 3rd battalion Ibrahimpatnam, 6th Battalion Bhadradri Kothagudem, 12th battalion Anneparthy and 17th battalion Siricilla.
“In the last few days some TGSP personnel have conducted themselves in agitations inside Battalion campus in Telangana as well as on streets of several places including Hyderabad in Telangana. To reinforce discipline and uphold the core values of the Telangana Special Police (TGSP), certain personnel have been dismissed from service following their involvement in unauthorized agitations and strikes both in public spaces across Telangana, including Hyderabad. These individuals, despite repeated warnings and opportunities to refrain from disruptive behavior, engaged in actions that severely undermined Battalion discipline, threatened operational cohesion, and tarnished the image of the force. Consequently, their dismissal has been ordered under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India, under circumstances that compromise public interest,” said Telangana DGP office.
Importantantly, after the dismissal orders were issued suspecting some resistance, TGSP personnel were replaced with armed reserve police in the chief minister A Revanth Reddy's security set up at his residence. Hyderabad police commissionerate had clamped prohibitory orders on protests and gatherings.
The DGP office said that the dismissed personnel allegedly incited unrest within the Battalions, leading to a detrimental impact on morale and efficiency. Their actions represent a direct violation of conduct expected from government servants, including integrity, devotion to duty, and adherence to rules that prevent behavior likely to bring disgrace to the force as well as disruption of morale among the force.
“Such conduct disrupts the internal discipline necessary for TGSP to fulfill its mission of maintaining peace and security across Telangana. A thorough investigation has been initiated to examine the specifics of these incidents, with senior officials instructed to monitor Battalion activities closely and reinforce a disciplined, respectful work environment. Strict disciplinary action will continue to be enforced against any personnel found violating conduct standards,” said the DGP office.
Indiscipline in uniform forces is a very serious matter that attracts provision of the Police Forces (Restrictions of Rights) Act and the Police (Incitement to Disaffection) Act and liable to be penalised as per law. Violation of rules attracts criminal action. “It is to appeal to TGSP personnel and their families as senior police officers, we are examining grievances on merits, and personnel are urged to carry out their duties as usual. If there are any concerns, they can be raised in the "Darbar" with the officers,” said Telangana DGP Jitendra Kumar.
TGSP constables and their wives were against the new rule under which the constables had to work for 26 days with only four days of rest. Earlier, they had a 15-day duty cycle with four days off.
Following this, senior officials conducted counselling sessions in which a senior official allegedly asked, “Who asked you to marry a TGSP constable?".
This comment led to protests by the constables. They took out march pasts and protests from their battalions, catching senior officials off guard, as never such protests had been held in the history of police in the state.
A few TGSP constables were also taken into custody for staging a protest at the secretariat on Saturday.