The Andhra Pradesh High Court has strongly criticized the police for their arbitrary actions. A resident of Chaitanya Nagar, Maddilapalem (Visakhapatnam), Bose Ramana, was arrested by the Podili police (Prakasam district) for allegedly posting critical comments on social media against Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.
Ramana’s wife, Lakshmi, filed a Habeas Corpus petition in the High Court, claiming that her husband was illegally detained. However, during the hearing, the lawyer representing the Podili SHO denied any involvement in the arrest. But when the petitioner’s lawyer proved that Ramana was indeed arrested, the government’s counsel admitted that Ichchapuram police had taken him into custody, produced him in a local court, and secured judicial remand.
High Court Anger – Contradictions in Police Statements
The High Court ordered both SHOs (Podili and Ichchapuram) to appear before the court and provide explanations.
- During the hearing, the Podili SHO admitted that Ramana was arrested for his social media posts.
- He claimed that the police attempted to issue a notice under Section 41A, but since Ramana refused to accept it, they arrested and later released him.
- The court questioned this irregular process, asking, “How can you arrest and release someone without proper documentation or legal grounds?”
When the Ichchapuram SHO called the case “minor” and urged the court not to waste time on it, the High Court lashed out at the police’s attitude.
Police Overreach – High Court’s Stern Warning
The court expressed serious concerns over the increasing number of cases where police are exceeding their authority.
- “This is not an isolated incident. We have seen multiple cases of police misconduct across the state. If this continues, we will summon SPs and even the DGP to court,” the High Court warned.
- The court also questioned the law enforcement’s role in upholding the Constitution and the law, emphasizing that such arbitrary actions could destabilize governance and law & order in the state.
Is ‘Chinna Babu’ Controlling the Police Department?
Interestingly, in the recent minister rankings released by Chandrababu Naidu, Home Minister Anitha was placed at 20th position.
- Both Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of the police department.
- Increasing crime rates, incidents of violence against women, and lack of proactive policing have been key concerns.
- Despite warnings from top leaders, police officers seem to be operating without accountability.
Political insiders claim that ‘Chinna Babu’ (Nara Lokesh) is directly handling key police postings and promotions.
- This has led to a situation where the police are ignoring Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan’s directives while prioritizing actions that please ‘Chinna Babu’.
- The recent High Court reprimand further highlights the growing administrative failures and the deteriorating law-and-order situation.
Opposition’s Allegations – Is AP Governance in Crisis?
Political parties and social activists have strongly criticized the state’s governance under the current administration.
- “The police seem more focused on implementing the ‘Red Book’ guidelines rather than maintaining law and order,” opposition leaders allege.
- Unchecked police power, arbitrary arrests, and defiance of High Court orders reflect the government’s weakening control over the administration.
If this trend of institutional overreach and political influence continues, it could lead to severe governance challenges and public distrust in the police system.
