Andhra Cop Sacked for Serving Defamation Notice to CM Naidu
Image Source: Internet
A police inspector in Andhra Pradesh has been dismissed from service after serving a defamation notice to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Inspector Shankaraiah, who was a circle inspector at Pulivendula police station at the time of the murder of former minister YS Vivekananda Reddy, issued the notice seeking a public apology and ₹1.45 crore in compensation for alleged defamatory remarks made by Naidu. According to officials, the dismissal was ordered on Friday following a disciplinary inquiry by Kurnool range deputy inspector general of police Dr Koya Praveen. The inspector had alleged that Naidu falsely attributed investigative responsibilities to him in connection with the murder case. Naidu had also made comments in the state assembly in July last year that Shankaraiah was promoted to deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and his suspension was revoked through misuse of power by the previous government. Shankaraiah had claimed that he was forced to issue the legal notice as the chief minister was repeatedly making false, malicious, and defamatory statements against him. The dismissal of the inspector has raised questions about the freedom of speech and the right of individuals to take action against defamatory statements made by public figures.
