INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
of TDP and BJP were among the accused in connection with the incidents and spreading "false propaganda", prompting the opposition parties to
slam him for acting as "a spokesperson" of the ruling YSRC.Making the claims two days after holding treasure trove hunters, believers in
superstition and others responsible for attacks on temples, the Director General of Police said 15 of the workers who indulged in "false
claims and said Sawang should shun his khaki uniform and instead don the ruling YSR Congress scarf."You will aptly fit as the spokesman of
YSRC rather than the state DGP," TDP state president K Atchannaidu said in a tweet.BJP state general secretary S Vishnuvardhan Reddy termed
the DGP's claims a "new political drama" and a brazen attempt to mislead people, only to cover up police inefficiency.On January 13,
Sawang told a press conference that most of the offences (like desecration of idols in temples) were committed by treasure trove hunters,
cases of attacks on temples in recent months.The DGPs line was in a complete contrast to the stand taken by the ruling brass, including
Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, who had hit out at the opposition saying the attacks on temples were part of a "conspiracy and
political guerrilla warfare" against his government to disrupt the welfare agenda.On Friday, the DGP hurriedly convened another press
conference and listed out nine cases in which a total of 15 people, allegedly workers and sympathisers of TDP and BJP, were arrested for
carrying out false propaganda related to attacks of temples
of Anjaneya Swamy with slippers over a land dispute, according to the DGP.He said "the conspiracy of TDP top brass is being investigated" in
the case.While Sawang said two days ago that treasure trove hunters were involved in the desecration of a temple idol in Kurnool district in
December last, on Friday he named four of the eight accused as "TDP cadres".All other cases, in which the DGP named TDP and BJP workers as
to political parties not to instigate religious animosity
Also, do not spread rumours at will in the social media
If you do that, we will not hesitate to take stern action," Sawang said.The TDP immediately spit fire on the DGP for blurting out "blatant
lies"."Only two days ago you blamed thieves, drunks, insane persons and wild animals for destruction of temple idols
How come it has suddenly become political conspiracy," TDP state president K Atchannaidu questioned the DGP."Your inefficiency in arresting
the actual culprits involved has been exposed and now you are labelling some persons who forwarded social media posts as TDP sympathisers,"
People of AP lost faith in the police
Are the police working for the people or the YSRC?" he asked.The BJP leader said that only 48 hours ago the DGP made it clear there was no
conspiracy involved in the attacks on temples."It is clear that people of other faith were behind the desecration of temples and idols
Police are acting only to sidetrack the investigation into temple attacks," he alleged.
