Two days before the police protest could take place Bengaluru police have reportedly picked up Shashidhar Venugopal, president of Akhila Karnataka Police Mahasangha, the group that is leading the movement to protest against the system. It is unclear whether he has been detained or arrested.
According to a post by his son on Wednesday night on Facebook, Shashidhar was "arrested" by over 30 policemen.
According to Samachara, a news website, the constables turned up at Shashidhar’s house in Yelahanka New Town at around 12:30 am.
His daughter Nayana told the website that no warrant was issued. However Shashidhar went along as he was expecting this and he did not want to create a scene.
She added that the police snatched away her brother’s phone when he tried to take pictures.
Such a protest may be the first of its kind in Karnataka. The personnel plan to go on mass leave, despite warnings issued by authorities and higher officials.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) of 1968 in a bid to subdue the proposed June 4 protest by the constabulary. Anyone who participates or instigates the protest could be arrested. The Health Department has warned government doctors across the state against issuing medical certificates for medical leave for policemen.
The Times of India reported that more than 50,000 policemen across the state have already applied for ‘Harassment Leave’ on June 4.
Police Commissioner was not reachable at the time of writing.