Date:25/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/25/stories/2005022511300400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Constable suspended

By Our Staff Reporter

NALGONDA, FEB. 24. The constable, Adamelli Nagababu, who was caught with a cell phone on the premises of the Charlapally jail on Wednesday, was placed under suspension by the twelfth battalion commandant, G. Venkateswarlu, on Thursday.

Speaking to The Hindu at Anneparthy near here, he said that a departmental inquiry had been ordered into the allegation that the constable was moving with his mobile at the Mahanadi barrack in the prison.

Two assistant commandants -- Laxman Rao and Sreerama Murthy -- were sent to Hyderabad to meet Nagababu to record his statement. "We cannot buy the argument that Nagababu has been carrying cell to give it to a prisoner.

However, carrying a cell phone in prison is wrong for which we have placed him under suspension,'' Mr. Venkateswarlu said, adding that Nagababu was posted at the jail only on February 21.

Previous record

"He was posted at the sixth watch tower of the prison. I am informed that he has kept the cell phone on a bed before going for breakfast.

I am at a loss to understand as to how could he take his mobile into the prison even after being frisked by jail guards,'' the commandant maintained.

According to the battalion records, Nagababu, a native of Kondagudem of Kamavarapukota mandal in West Godavari district, joined the force on January 1, 2003.

He was placed under suspension from October 6, 2003 to July 20, 2004 on the basis of a complaint reportedly filed by his former girl friend. Later, he was sent to Huzurabad in Karimnagar district before being shifted to Cherlapally jail on February 21.

Mr.Venkateswarlu further said he would initiate action against the platoon leader concerned for his failure to ask the constable not to carry his mobile.