Five Uttar Pradesh Police personnel have been suspended in connection with the burning of an effigy of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav by workers of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Ghaziabad unit on Wednesday against the Bulandhshahr gangrape case.
Those suspended are Kutchary Police post in-charge Narendra Singh, Head Constable Ramjeet, constables Jitendra, Shishpal and woman constable Hem lata.
Ghaziabad District Magistrate Nidhi Kesarwani had earlier recommended to Senior Superintendent of Police KS Emmanuel a departmental action against Kavi Nagar police station Inspector Ashok Sishodia, Kutchary post in-charge and a sub-inspector for alleged lapses during the AAP protest.
Kesarwani had also recommended the chargesheeting of City Magistrate Brahm Dev Yadav to the higher authorities.
The AAP’s Ghaziabad unit also submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate, saying the Bulandshahr gangrape case is a “blot” on the State Government. The Uttar Pradesh Government had proved incompetent to protect the women, it said.
The AAP workers burnt Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s effigy to protest what they called the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the State. During the AAP protest, the District Magistrate was away in the field, leaving City Magistrate Brahm Dev Yadav to handle the situation. The effigy was burnt in front of the officials against whom action has been taken, said sources.
The local intelligence unit was also found lax in informing the district administration about the protest.
Earlier, police said a case has been registered here against 25 AAP activists under Sections 147 and 353 of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant legal provisions for holding the protest march and burning the effigy of the Chief Minister.