Telangana Polls: The Election Commission of India has suspended Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Anjani Kumar for a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Sources revealed on Sunday that the suspension came in the aftermath of an unexpected meeting between the top cop and Telangana Congress president Revanth Reddy at the latter’s residence earlier in the morning.
The Election Commission, deeming the encounter a breach of protocol, promptly ordered the suspension of the Telangana DGP, who, along with Sanjay Jain, State Police Nodal Officer, Telangana, and Mahesh Bhagwat, Nodal (Expenditure), had met with Revanth Reddy.
Official sources highlighted the unusual nature of the meeting, stating, “The Director General of Police Telangana opted to meet a contesting candidate out of a total of 2290 candidates and the star campaigner of one political party out of 16 political parties in the fray, with a flower bouquet at the residence of the candidate when the counting process is still underway, along with two or more senior police officers, which is a clear indication of mala fide intention of seeking favor.”
The Election Commission expressed concern over the potential ramifications of such actions, emphasizing that the DGP is expected to lead the entire police service of the state by setting an example through impartial conduct. EC sources warned, “Any misconduct on the part of DGP Telangana not only sets a wrong precedent but sends incorrect signals to the field formations who are still in the process of conducting elections.”
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has sought explanations from the other two officials involved, State Police Nodal Officer Sanjay Kumar Jain and Nodal Officer (Expenditure) Mahesh M. Bhagwat, regarding the circumstances of their meeting with Revanth Reddy.
“The next senior and most eligible police officer of the state will be immediately given charge of the Director General of Police Telangana,” declared the Election Commission, underscoring the severity of the situation. This shocking revelation adds a layer of controversy to the ongoing election proceedings, introducing an unexpected twist to the unfolding political drama.