UK tourists accuse Andhra cops of harassment

Reportedly, a group of UK tourists has approached the Indian Embassy in London to lodge a complaint alleging that a few police in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur have harassed and extorted money from them.

It has also been learned that even though the complaint was filed on January 13, it came to light recently after an internal inquiry by the state police.

As per reports, about a month ago, a group of 40 guests from England and Ireland had visited Guntur to attend a wedding. These guests alleged that when they all were at the event on December 28, a few cops arrived at the locale and asked them why so many foreigners were sitting at the same spot. They even demanded the foreign nationals to produce their passports and other documents.

The complainants allege that the police even took their photos and extorted them for money.

Following the complaint, the DGP of Police, M Malakondaiah ordered an inquiry into the matter.

“As per procedure, the tourists had visited the police station to submit the form C, and complete the verification process when they were in the city. They were supposed to submit a copy of the form C to the police, which they did not. They sought help from the police officials in filing the forms as they were unaware of the process. Our officials tried to help them, and do a job which they were not supposed to, ” Guntur Urban SP, Ch Vijaya Rao was quoted as saying. The SP said that there were lapses on part of the policemen and the required disciplinary action will be taken against the cops. Three constables were suspended later.