Disha App Download Argument Turns Violent: Army Jawan Assaulted By Andhra Police

In a rather unexpected turn of events, an altercation broke out during a Disha application awareness program in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. The dispute involved an army personnel and four police officers from the Parawada police station.

The incident reportedly began when the police officers requested the army man to download the Disha app, which is designed to enhance the safety and security of citizens. However, what should have been a routine encounter took an unfortunate turn.

Syed Aleemullah, currently stationed at the 52nd Rashtriya Rifles camp in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, was on leave and visiting his home in Regupalini village, part of Yelamanchili mandal.

While he was waiting for a bus in Parawada on a Tuesday, four police officers, including a female officer, approached him and requested that he download the Disha app onto his mobile phone. They took his phone and began the downloading process. When one of the constables noted the OTP received on his phone, Aleemullah expressed his concerns about cybercrimes involving OTPs. He then asked the police constables to display their identity cards since they were not wearing name badges.

In response to Aleemullah's request to see their identity cards, the police officers became agitated and questioned his ability to recognise their police uniforms. They demanded that he accompany them to the police station, which he refused to do. In an attempt to force him, three policemen physically restrained him, with one of them gripping his collar. They tried to place him into an autorickshaw, and during this struggle, they confiscated his identity card. On the other hand, the police personnel asserted that it was the army man who resorted to using derogatory language, specifically targeting a female police officer.

Following this incident, the soldier later met with the Superintendent of Police for Anakapalli district, K. V. Murali Krishna, to file a complaint.

As news of the altercation spread, it garnered public attention and raised questions about the incident. The Superintendent of Police, K.V. Murali Krishna, swiftly took action in response to the incident. He placed the four police personnel involved in the altercation in vacancy reserve (VR), effectively suspending them from their current duties. Additionally, he ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to uncover the truth behind the altercation and determine any necessary actions to be taken.

What is Disha App?

The YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh is actively endorsing the Disha app, which aims to enhance the safety of women. The app has been experiencing a surge in popularity, surpassing the 'Dial 100' helpline in recent times.