Karnataka: Police constables plan to go on mass leave; top cop says none applied for leave

Bengaluru, May 26: Never before this happened in the history of Karnataka. Police constables going on mass leave to stamp protest against harassment by senior officers.

Akhila Karnataka Police Maha Sangha (AKPMS) claims that over 50,000 cops would go on leave on June 4 to mark protest against harassment to constables by the senior police officers.

The leave will be termed as 'harassment leave' and the association says many constables on this day will not appear for duty. But the top cop from the police department tells none so far applied for leave.

Founder President of AKPMS, V Shashidhar speaking to OneIndia said protest is the only means to resolve the problems of constables. Shashidhar says many constables approached him to find a solution to the trouble they are facing on a daily basis, following which movement was planned.

"65,000 constables in the state are the most harassed section in the department. They are forced to work for 15 hours a day and requests on grant of leave are thrown into bins," lamented V Shashidhar. Besides, in all emergency, it is the constables who have to bear the brunt.

The police who approached Shashidhar choked the idea of going on mass leave and requested him to lead the movement as there are no forums in the state for the police constables to fight for rights . "If the protest turns our to be a successful, it is a big set back for the government," Shashidhar opined.

According to Shashidhar what constables are facing is a gross violation of human rights. Albiet repeated requests made to the government to solve the problems, nothing was heard. Hence, the police have decided to send a message to government this time, divulged Shashidhar.

None applied for leave: Top Cop

The top cop in the police department told this news portal that, so far none applied for leave. He said, all constables will register for duty on the day as policemen going to protest will lead to law and order crisis.

According to certain sources, ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act 1968) is a tool that could be used to stop this movement. On those, who will go on leave ESMA would be invoked, which will effect the cancellations of pensions, if done so. This is a message sent to the constables by the top brass in the Karnataka police department.

OneIndia News