Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh): State Social Welfare Minister Pinipe Swarup courted controversy, as he said the youth who was allegedly assaulted by cops could join the Naxals if he wished so.
Swarup's comments came after a Scheduled Caste (SC) youth from the East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, who was allegedly beaten up and tonsured in a police station, wrote a letter to the President seeking permission to join Naxals.
According to reports, President Ram Nath Kovind immediately responded by appointing a special officer to look into the case.
Responding to the above development, Swarup said, "If you want to join the Naxals you may do so. President of India's permission is not required for that."
Earlier in July, a scheduled caste youth, Vara Prasad, was allegedly thrashed and tonsured by the Sitanagaram police.
According to reports, Vara Prasad had confronted a YSRCP leader and tried to stop his sand lorries at Muni Koodali area. He was then reportedly called to the police station where he was allegedly assaulted.
Read: Andhra youth seeks President's permission to join Naxals, police call move 'unfortunate'
The Director-General of Police had then conducted an inquiry into the incident and suspended one sub-inspector and two constables in connection with the case.
A case under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act had been filed in the matter.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on July 22 had also instructed officials to take strict action against those responsible and had asked for details on the case.
