Date:08/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/08/stories/2008070859541400.htm

National

Suicide bid triggers high drama

Staff Reporter

NIZAMABAD: An APSP constable, R. Shoban Babu, of the 7th battalion on Monday morning created a flutter by climbing on to a mobile phone tower located on the battalion premises at Dichpally, threatening to kill himself by jumping from it if Commandant (in-charge) Sudhakar did not revoke his transfer to Company-B from the base camp.

High drama continued from 8.30 a.m. to 9.15 a.m. resulting in a tense situation. Residents and higher authorities, including civil police, rushed to the tower and tried to prevail upon Shoban Babu to come down the tower. However, he did not relent until the Commandant tendered an apology and promised to revoke his transfer.

As soon as he came down, the police took him into custody.

The Sub-Inspector said a case was registered against the special constable and investigation was on. Mr. Singh said the constable, belonging to 1999 constabulary, had been working as a gunman to Commandants since 2003 and was attached to his original B Company in the battalion after the retirement of Commandant A. Shankaraiah on June 30.

However, Shoban Babu refused to go to the company and wanted to go on leave for which the incumbent Commandant did not agree.

With this, Shoban Babu, alleging harassment by the authorities, ascended the tower, said the SI.