Andhra Pradesh: Family of four allege police harassment in video before committing suicide; two cops arrested

A family of four in Andhra Pradesh committed suicide after alleging police harassment in a video.

In connection with the case, two cops were arrested.

They took their lives on Wednesday by throwing themselves under a goods train.

The senior police officials conducted a thorough inquiry and then arrested circle inspector Somasekhar Reddy and head constable Gangadhar on Sunday.

They have been booked under the Indian Penal Code`s Sections 306 (abetment to suicide), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means).

The family members have been identified as Sheik Abdul Salam, 45, his wife Noorjahan, 43, son Dada Khalandar, 9, and daughter Salma, 14. 

The family alleged that they were framed in a false case by Nandyan I Town police and since nobody was coming to their rescue, they were ending their lives.

The arrests were made within 24 hours after the Chief Minister personally directed the police top brass to conduct a thorough inquiry and take immediate action. He also sought a report from the Director-General of Police and the Home Minister.

Two senior IPS officers, Inspector General of Police Shankha Brata Bagchi and Guntur ASP Arif Hafeez were drafted to investigate the case.

Police officers also questioned a man, who had allegedly lodged a complaint with the police that he lost his money in Salam`s autorickshaw.

The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the progress of the probe and has assured that justice will be delivered at any cost.

"If one is found to be guilty of any offence, be it anybody, he/she will be acted against irrespective of who the person is," said DGP Gautam Sawang.

Various minority organisations from across the state have expressed their satisfaction over the swift intervention of the CM and the subsequent action taken by the top brass of the Police Department, which led to the arrests of the accused.

(With IANS inputs)