ASP accusing senior goes missing; found in bus

Ramachandrapuram ASP Naveen Kumar was suspended on September 3 for violation of service rules by approaching media to level allegations against East Godavari district SP Thrivikram Verma and other police officials of involvement in smuggling of cannabis.

Kumar was found in a Hyderabad-bound bus last evening after an intensive search, police said.

Incidentally, his family members held a press conference yesterday and alleged that police were behind his going missing.

Last month, Kumar an IPS officer and subordinate to the East Godavari SP, had accused Varma of harassing him. Saying that there was a threat to his life, Kumar, had alleged that Varma was also obstructing him from carrying on his duties of checking the "illegal" ganja smuggling in Rampachodavaram area.

"The ASP has made certain allegations against the East Godavari SP including that of harassment and threat to his life which are being looked into," Eluru Range DIG G Suryaprakasa Rao had said.

"A petition has been given by the ASP in a local police station against the East Godavari SP. No case has been registered in this regard. An enquiry has been ordered in the matter and only after that more details can be known," he said.

The SP had refused to comment on the issue saying "senior police officials will look in the matter."