HYDERABAD: The opposition Congress, TDP, and BJP hit out at Telangana's TRS government for handcuffing farmers booked for vandalising an agricultural market yard office. Protests were held at different places in the state by Congress leaders and activists and a memorandum was submitted to Governor ESL Narasimhan who sought action against those responsible for the incident.
The memorandum read, “The handcuffing of poor, small and marginal chilli farmers in Khammam while being produced in a court has shocked the entire Telangana public. This is a culmination of ignoring agricultural and farming community by the TRS government on one hand and repressive, dictatorial tactics used by the present government against any form of protest.” Union Minister and senior BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya said it was painful to see farmers handcuffed. Meanwhile, State Agriculture Minister P Srinivasa Reddy rubbished all allegations saying the government has already taken action against policemen responsible for the incident.
Ten chilli farmers were arrested for allegedly carrying out violent protests and damaging the Khammam marketyard office. Following the outrage, the police department suspended two Armed Reserve Police sub-inspectors and ordered an inquiry. Telangana farmers have long been demanding better price for chilli as the rates dipped to Rs 5,000 or less per quintal as compared to last year's Rs 12,000 per quintal.
Lawyers said they would approach the Human Rights Commission against the use of handcuffs in this case. "A Supreme Court judgment says that accused should not be brought to court in handcuffs. But the police are violating this. Unfortunate that farmers who demanded MSP (Minimum Support Price) are being treated like this," a lawyer said. Meanwhile, an inquiry has been ordered by the police into the "breaching" of the handcuff norms. "Handcuffing was not necessary. There are clear guidelines and if the handcuffing of the accused is required, necessary magisterial permission has to be taken," IG of police said.
