In yet another instance of rupture between the Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena Party leaders in Andhra Pradesh, a police official who incurred the wrath of deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan for alleged misuse of power and misconduct, got the unexpected support from TDP leader and assembly deputy speaker K Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju.
The Jana Sena Party, in a statement on Tuesday, alleged that Bhimavaram deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Jayasurya had been invoking the names of NDA coalition leaders to engage in abuse of authority, interfere in civil disputes, and show bias in his functioning.
The party also claimed that illegal gambling dens were flourishing in his jurisdiction due to negligence or complicity.
Following these complaints, Pawan Kalyan reportedly spoke directly with the district SP, highlighting the allegations and demanding a detailed report on the DSP’s conduct.
He also wrote to the Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Gupta, seeking a comprehensive inquiry into the issue.
Pawan instructed officials to ensure that police officers do not interfere in civil cases and warned that the NDA government would not tolerate “anti-social activities or misuse of official authority” at any level.
However, in an interesting twist, Raghu Ramakrishna Raju on Wednesday came to the DSP’s defence, saying Jayasurya had a clean record.
“As far as I know, DSP Jayasurya is an upright officer,” he said.
The deputy speaker said Jayasurya had strengthened surveillance on gambling in West Godavari.
“These allegations may have arisen because of his strict action against such activities,” he said.
Raju added that there were no gambling camps operating in his constituency and that the NDA government was determined to crack down on such vices.
The incident has gained political significance, with the deputy chief minister demanding a report against the officer and the deputy speaker stepping in to defend him — a reflection of the delicate balance of power and perception within the ruling coalition.