Hyderabad: Nizamabad Police Commissioner Sai Chaitanya said police were not at fault after a tea stall owner allegedly attempted suicide inside Bhimgal police station. The incident followed allegations of Bhimgal police harassment and repeated fines against the trader.
According to the CP, a petty case was registered after the stall operated late at night. He said the action followed a dispute involving a grocery shop owner opposite Sudhakar’s stall. The shop owner allegedly sent two reporters to question Sudhakar because he was not buying cigarettes from him.
Meanwhile, the incident triggered protests outside the police station. BRS, BJP and Congress leaders, along with members of the Devanga Sangh, joined the demonstrations. The protests focused on allegations against Bhimgal SI Tirupati and demanded action over the incident.
Polasa Sudhakar, a resident of Devangapalli in Bhimgal town, runs a tea stall near the local bus stand. He sells tea, cigarettes and pan masala to earn his livelihood. According to his family members and local residents, police had allegedly fined him several times for operating the stall after 10 pm.
Two days before the incident, Sudhakar was allegedly fined again. He later went to the police station on Monday to pay the fine. However, police allegedly told him that a case had been registered and that he would have to pay the amount in court.
Sudhakar then allegedly poured petrol on himself inside the police station premises and set himself on fire. Police and others took him to the Nizamabad government hospital for treatment. Later, doctors shifted him to a private hospital.
Bhimgal police harassment claims trigger political response
Former minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy alleged that SI Tirupati had harassed Sudhakar before the suicide attempt. He described the incident as serious and criticised the treatment of a person dependent on a roadside tea stall.
Prashanth Reddy further alleged that the SI routinely collected money and conducted business with sand traders. He also alleged that innocent people were called to the police station and subjected to harassment.
According to Prashanth Reddy, he had previously brought alleged irregularities involving the police to the CP’s attention. He criticised the CP for not taking action despite those earlier complaints.
The former minister said Sudhakar’s treatment had already cost Rs. 80 thousand. He announced immediate financial assistance of Rs. 50 thousand and demanded that the government and police cover further medical expenses.
Separately, Prashanth Reddy called for a Bhimgal bandh on Tuesday. He demanded the dismissal of SI Tirupati and action against Balkonda SI Shailender and Mortad SI Ramu.
The victim also alleged repeated fines by SI Tirupati and harassment involving a trader and some reporters. He said his pleas regarding the fines had not received a response.
Meanwhile, CP Sai Chaitanya rejected allegations of police wrongdoing. He maintained that police had registered only a petty case over the tea stall operating late at night.