AP: TDP leader asks NHRC probe ‘illegal’ arrests by YSRCP govt

Amaravati : TDP Politburo member Varla Ramaiah on Friday urged the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to order a probe into alleged human rights violations and illegal arrests of “peaceful” protesters in Andhra Pradesh. He also asked for stringent action to be taken against the officials responsible for the “degradation” of law and order in the state.
In a letter sent to the NHRC Chairperson here, Ramaiah stated that the AP Government and the police forces were resorting to gross violations of fundamental rights with specific reference to Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.
The state officials were accused of suppressing all dissenting voices and skirting democratic values. Ramaiah further argued that if the officers weren’t held accountable, the state of democracy would further erode.
The leader further said that the Telugu Desam Party had given a call for state-wide protests on August 28 against the rise in petrol and diesel prices. The rate of petrol had shot up to Rs 108 per liter which the TDP leader argued was the highest in the state.
“The protests were held in a peaceful manner with adherence to COVID-19 protocols.  The aim was to put pressure on the Government of Andhra Pradesh so that it would reduce the prices of petrol and diesel,” said Ramaiah in a statement to the media.
Ramaiah argued that in this backdrop, the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has “unleashed” police force, and accordingly TDP leaders, cadre, and the general public were arrested, while others were placed under house arrest. Several FIRs were registered against the TDP leaders in the Kotabommali, Dendulur, Pulivendula, and Bommanahal police stations.