Konaje : Police Commissioner M. Chandra Sekhar has placed under suspension Sub-Inspector Srikala and Head Constable Rajesh who have been accused of assaulting Rukmayya, a Dalit, and abusing him in the name of his caste.

According to a complaint filed by Rukmayya with the Konaje police, Srikala and Rajesh booked a case under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act on April 6 against him for selling beedis and brought him on the same day to the police station where he was said to be assaulted and abused.

The complaint was registered against the two policemen on April 7 under the provisions of SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Rajesh also filed a complaint accusing Rukmayya of assaulting him.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (South) Shruthi N.S. carried out a preliminary inquiry and found the two police personnel guilty of dereliction of duty and abusing power. Based on her report, Mr. Chandra Sekhar placed the two.