PUCL AP STATE BRANCH, GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT

The AP-PUCL has been actively working on the following cases since 1997:

September 1997

• we submitted an appeal to the State government against false encounters and demanded that a list of all 'encounters' be made public. There was no response from the Government.
• One Kunda Buggaiah (50) and Smt. Rajamma (38) died of starvation at Shyampet Mandal, Pedda Kondapaka village in Warangal district. Jaya Vindhyala, General Secretary, and two other members went as a fact-finding committee and prepared a report. The Sate government reacted and asked the MRO to report as to how many villagers were affected with this type of starvation. Compensation was arranged to dependents of deceased
• Erukala Lakhmi and Erukala Jayamma both died in lock up at Ananthapur police station. The PUCL inquired into the case and released a press statement demanding suspension of SI of Ananthapur police station. The SI was suspended and the government ordered a judicial enquiry into the case.
  

October 1997

• Very big blaze in HPCL Refinery at Visakhapattnam broke out. Jaya Vindhyala, General Secretary, Chand Khan, Vice President, and Arun Kumar, Joint Secretary went there as a fact finding committee and gave a report to the Union Government. The Ministery of Petroleum and Natural Resources, represented by its Principal Secretary, filed a writ petition at AP High Court. On the AP High Court intervention the Central Government constituted an enquiry Commission headed by a retired High Court Judge. AP PUCL demanded payment of compensation to the families of deceased persons. About 400 persons lost their lives in the blast. These workers were all contract workers. The Management took safety measures in the factory premises. Compensation was arranged to the bereaved families.

November 1997

• Miss. Saleema Begum, an 18 years old girl, went to Dubai to seek settlement of her father's property. she was forcibly detained by her co brother. Her grand father contacted AP State PUCL. The PUCL, represented the matter to the Minister of Home Affairs, Government of India, and also sent a representation to the Indian Embassy at Dubai. We found out her whereabouts the place where she was released from illegal detention. This matter is still pending and the girl was in contact her grand father. This matter is pending before NHRC. She is at present with her stepmother.
  

December 1997

• We organised Human Rights Day on 10th December 1997 at Visaka Kendram Mehdipatanam. In this meeting all Human Rights activists participated.
• The PUCL filed a Writ petition about the women of Mahaboob- ki- Menhdi. It also appealed to NHRC on 3.12.1997 about violation of women's Human Rights in the Women's Jail and the State Home at Ameerpet. This case is pending before the Supreme Court as per the directions be the NHRC. The State Home is being run by NGO's and here prostitutes are provided with income generation programmes for their lively hood.
  

January 1998

• On 29th January '98 one Varamma was brutally raped by the police of Bhonthavaripally village, Marripeda, Mandal of Nellore District about 18 times. AP State PUCL took up the matter. After our agitation the state Government suspended those involved in the case. Free medical treatment was arranged to Smt. Varamma and a sum of rupees thirty thousand was paid to her as compensation.
  

February 1998

• A large number of cotton growing farmers committed suicide due to loss of cop, heavy burden government and, loans from money lenders on high interest rates. The PUCL deputed Jaya Vindhyala, General Secretary, and Arun Kumar Joint Secretary, A T Ramana, Saida Rao, Iqbal Khan to toured Medak, Warangal and Mahabubnagar districts to out facts. The enquiry report was presented to State Govt. by Smt. Malladi Subbamma President, Jaya Vindhyala General Secretary , K Pratap Reddy Senior Advocate and former President of PUCL Karnataka, and Iqbal Khan, on 11.2.1998. This matter was also published in PUCL: Bulletin. On this the Govt. has issued orders according to which families of deceased persons were paid compensation. Cotton cultivators are still suffering due to heavy losses sustain by them.
  

March 1998

• We agitated against the illegal retrenchment in AP Vikalangula Co operative Society and gave a representation to Director of APVCS and filed a Writ petition in AP High Court. The High Court directed the State Govt. to withdrawn illegal retrenchment. A powerful agitation was organised by PUCL on this issue. As a result the Sate Govt. took steps to get all the retrenched employees to reinstated.
• In a well organised racket innocent girls used to be picked up and forced in prostitution in Banjara Guest House in Hyderabad. On getting this information we exposed this matter through media. The police reacted in time and arrested brokers and Sethanis. The girls were released from their clutches.(Names with held).
  

April 1998

• A large number of workers are engaged in brick Industry at Ranga Reddy District in Apand (Surrounding Hyderabad and Secunderabad) in Maheshwaram Mandal, Thukkuguda, Saraswathi Guda, Babasahebguda, Mankkal, Imamguda, Ravirala, etc. They are forced to work as bonded laborers. On behalf of AP PUCL Unit, we went as fact finding Committee headed by Jaya Vindhyala General Secretary, Arum Kumar Joint Secretary, with Iqbal Khan, and Dhanujaya.
• In our investigation, we found that they were not getting minimum wages, no shelter and no medical facilities. Food was also not provided. These workers were just treated as animals. The employers illegally detained them.
• After enquiry we submitted a report to the Collector of Ranga Reddy district and the Labour Officer. The Govt. of AP, represented by it Secretary, and the PUCL filed a Public Interest Litigation Petition. After the High Court intervention, they were released. The petition is still pending in High Court as wages are not settled and paid so far.
  

May 1998

• Casual labourers are working on contract basis in Bharat Dynamics Ltd. , Their service were not yet regularized and, as a practice, the management retrenches these workers even after they have put in 4/5 years of service with them. With the active supported by AP PUCL, a Writ Petition was filed in the AP High Court which is pending.
• Md. Bakar Moinuddin an innocent person was being harassed by Mandannapet police, Hyderabad and they were demanding mamools in one pretext or the other. After enquiry the State PUCL demanded release of Moinuddin from their evil clutches. Due to PUCL intervention the police stopped harassing him.
  

June 1998

• On 26th June 1998 PUCL AP held a public meeting for observance of 'Black Day of Emergency' at Shramika Vidyapeeth, Hyderabad. In this meeting Shri Pratap Reddy, Shri KG Kannabiran, Shri Pathiapti Venkateswarlu, Shri KB Tilak, Shri Kashianth, Ms. Malladi Subbamma, and Ms. Jaya Vindhyala participated. In this meeting people reiterated that the present situation is no different than what it was during the emergency period of 1975. What is the basic change and difference they questioned.
  

July 1998

• AP Govt. declared rewards to informers, and to those naxalites who have killed other naxalites, or to people giving information about hideouts of naxalites. This is mainly being offered so those members of one Dalam of Naxalites liquidate another Dalam. State PUCL came forward and observed that this type of Govt. activity looked like an attempt at developing criminal activities, directly and indirectly. The AP Govt. was challenged by State PUCL through a Public Interest Litigation Petition. The case is pending.
  

August 1998

• In August 1998 nine PWG cadre workers were murdered by police in Koppadandi village, Vijayanagaram District, the State PUCL urged the demanded Govt. of AP, to book a case under section 302 IPC. This type of murders done in the name and under the guise of encounter should be treated as deliberate murder. A report was sent to Chairman of NHRC. Case is still pending.
• On 22.8. 1998 Haridevan, an under trial died in Cuddapah Jail. State PUCL demanded a judicial enquiry. Judicial enquiry was conducted. Compensation was paid to the dependence of the deceased.
  

September 1998

• Mr. Maddilate, Mr. Sailu, and Mr. Kurumurthy, were arrested on 8.9.98 by Peddakothpally police in Mehboobnagar district, illegally detained, and administered third degree methods. After obtaining this information, State PUCL approached the Govt. Consequently these three youths were released.
  

October 1998

• PUCL AP took a very active role in bringing to fore the maladministration of jails in AP. Jail officers harass prisoners, ordinary and political both. Jail conditions also deplorable. These problems were publicised and a PIL was filed.
• The High Court constituted a Commission headed by a Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Superintendent of Osmania General Hospital, and CV Mohan Reddy, High Court advocate.
• This commission submitted its report also. Report shows brings out clearly the harassment by jail administration. But this WP transferred to NHRC on 10.3.99. Case is pending.
  

November 1998

• PUCL AP State conducted a group discussions on Human Rights, how Human Rights are suppressed, what is the State's role, what are its reactions about poor laborer's rights like wages, medical facilities, right to live, right to work, etc., of various places in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
  

December 1998

• PUCL AP State conducted a 50 years of Human Rights declaration on 10.12.1998. A public meeting was conducted at Sundariah Vignan Bgawan. About 200 members participated Great revolutionary writer Jwalamukhi gave a message in which he stressed the exploitation of women within four walls, of the house in offices, and outsides. Great singer Gaddar, Pathipati Venkateshwarlu, Senior Advocate and Human Rights activist, Lalitha Devi, Jaya Vindhyala, General Secretary, spoke in this meeting.
  

January 1999

• Conducted small meeting in Vikasakendram, Mehidipatnam, Hyderabad on the prohibition, its lifting, re-imposition its effect on public, etc.
  

February and March 1999

• On the eve of International Women Day on 8th March 1999 a public meeting was conducted at Press Club, Basheerbagh to discuss "woman's role in Human Rights and how it is reflected in Civil Liberties movement in A.P."
  

April 1999

• On March 30 and 31 and April 5 and 6 AP PUCL. toured the districts of Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and Rnga Reddy as a Fact-finding committee comprising Jaya Vindhyala, Iqbal Khan, Kamala Devi, Hafeez, Marreddy and Shastry about the alleged sale of Tribal Children to International organisations on the plea of adoptions by Peter Subbaiah of good Samaritan Evangological Association. Sanjeeva Rao, Action for Social Development and Savithramma of John Memorial Bethany Home, were also alleged to be involved.
• The fact-finding committee came to the conclusion that the tribals of Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and Ranga Reddy Districts are living in inhuman conditions, far off from civilisation and selling children as if they are selling animals. The so called Government schemes and grant have never really reached them. Only at the time of elections, political leaders visit them fill their stomachs with liquor, and do not look to their welfare. This was maintained by many tribals when contacted by the PUCL.
• We filed a P.I.L. in the AP High Court for directing the state government to constitute a separate cell or special committee for tribal welfare and see that the benefits of government funds or government schemes benefits really reach them. NGO's who colluded with the affair of selling of girl children were banned by state government. Criminal cases filed against them are pending disposal.
  

May 1999

• Lockup death of Mrs,. Kona Krishna Kumari at Mahela Police Station, Vijayawada attracted PUCL's attention. A committee was constituted comprising consisted of Malladi Subbamma, Jaya Vindhyala, Iqbal Khan, V Bhradwaja Reddy, Ramakrishna, Sambasiva Rao, Sheshagiri Rao, Shri Krishna Rao, and T Venkateshwarlu to investigate the lock up death.
• According to the Committee's findings, Kona Krishna Kumari was hanged after being killed as the facts themselves proved that the death had not been caused due to hanging. Committee had also found that sub inspector of police, PS Payakapuramu, was responsible for it and that Shri Surya Chandra Rao and police constables assisted him. The second guilty officer was Smt. Raydu Jyothi SHO, the Mahila police station and police personal in that police station. Third party is Vijayawada Municipal Corporator, Shri Goutham Reddy and his followers. Committee report was submitted to Government.
• The government appointed a Commission headed by Shri BV Ranga Raju who held four sessions and gave a report. CBCID also inquired. State PUCL is not satisfied with the Commission report and the report of CBCID. It demanded CBI enquiry to identify the actual culprits. The State PUCL has also written to the State Home Minister and all the MLA's. Lastly, State PUCL filed to a Writ petition in AP High Court.
  

July 1999

• In Krishna District at Reddy Gaitham Police station lock up death of Gurijala, Jamalyya occurred on 21.7.99. On this State PUCL immediately reacted and inquired about the incident and demanded to that the death be treated as murder and prove the case judicially. Case is also filed before NHRC.
  

August 1999

• In a gruesome incident on 27.8.1999 at a stone crusher at Sadipally Gate, parents of a child caused the murder of their own child forcibly putting it in the crusher with the intention of getting compensation from the crusher owner or Government. The fact finding Committee of PUCL comprising Jaya Vindhyala, Sarala Reddy, Iqbal Khan, Veena Vani, Swaroopa visited this the place and found out the cause of death. PUCL came to conclusion that due to poverty the parents of deceased child committed this act. Most Palamoori laboures are poor having no livelihood, due to draught conditions prevailing the area. Action is pending still with the government.
• Fire broke out in Nandana Vanam Colony, Hyderabad on 31.08.1999. The habitants suffered heavy loss as almost all the structures were burnt down. PUCL team comprising Jaya Vindhyala, Iqbal Khan, Kamala Devi, Laxmi, and Sarala Reddy visited the site and submitted its report to the government. The Government reacted and constructed houses and other amenities.
  

September 1999

• Under the leadership of Jaya Vindhyala, General Secretary of State PUCL a team visited areas of Nalgonda and Warangal assembly and Parliament constituencies on 18.09.1999. They asked the people to vote for the candidates of their choice without fear. They were also asked not to yield in any pressure for misuse of the vote. A good response from people was noticed.
• During the month a campaign was arranged to educate the electorate and also candidates contesting the election while communicating to them the PUCL charter of demand addressed to all political parties contesting the forth coming elections to the thirteenth Lok Sabha. PUCL believes its charter to be a step towards the realization of the spirit of our constitution and also considers this process to be a part of effort to educate the voters.
  

October 1999

• A seminar on Human Rights and Civil Liberties was conducted at press club on 03.10.99 to focus on the atrocities on Dalits, minorities, women, child labour, problem of unemployment, right to work and fake encounters, etc. The participants in the seminar were as follows:
• Justice Punnaiah, Member of Constitution Review Committee; Shri. Bala Gopal, Human Rights Forum; Shri Jaya Prakash Narayana, Lok Satha; Ms. Malladi Subbamma, President State PUCL; Shri K Pratap Reddy, Advocate High Court and Advisor to State PUCL, Ms. Jaya Vindhyala, State PUCL General Secretary, and Shri Pattupati Venkateshwarlu, General Secretary Forum for Right to work.
  

November 1999

• ne Shri Gurram Ramaiah 45 years, who was brought to rural police station Ongole in a theft case, was died in police custody on 6.11.99. Facts of the case revealed that it was a lock up death and State PUCL demanded probe into the case. Case is filed before NHRC. The government ordered a departmental enquiry. Report is pending.
  

December 1999

• The issue of collecting abnormal fees from the students by the management's of minority engineering colleges, came to the notice of the state PUCL. A press note was issued condemning the act of management's in collecting such use fees from poor students. PUCL has filed Writ petitions in State High Court. On this management's furnished the list of intake of students. The State Government have issued GOMS No. 1 dated 31.12.1999 according to which admission in these private colleges will be only through state council of higher education.
• Attacks on tribals at Duggeru in Makkuva Mandal of Vijayanagaram District on 15.12.1999 by the police officials and Revenue Divisional Officer was condemned by the fact finding committee comprising the State PUCL., AP CLC., OPDR., B S P and State High Court Advocate, Shri P Rattaiah and demanded the state government to suspend the police officials and RDO as they have colluded with the landlords. The report of fact finding committee is sent to RDO., MRO and state government for necessary action. Action is still pending.
• A fake encounter occurred on 2.12.1999 in which Walla Adireddy, Santosh Reddy, Sheelam Naresh and Arun were murdered at Tadicherla forest by police. State PUCL fact-finding committee visited the spot on 4.12.1999 and gave its report. A workshop was also conducted in "Sundaraiah Vignan Bhawan" on 27.12.1999 in which discussions were held condemning the fake encounters. State PUCL has appealed all the people committed to democracy, intellectuals, students, trade unions and formers unions etc., to condemn the act of police in doing the fake encounters.
  

January 2000

• In a meeting in Nalagonda on 23.1.2000, Smt. Malladi Subbamma, President and Jaya Vindhyala General Secretary of State PUCL have expressed their view to fight against eve-teasing. They exhorted women to know their rights. It was also decided to conduct legal literacy camps.
  28. February 2000: i) Three women, Anantamma, Paranathamma, and Laxmi were brutally beaten by police in Chevalla police station on 6. 2. 2000 and were physically harassed. State PUCL fact finding committee with Malladi Subbamma, Jaya Vindhyala, C H Kanaka Durga visited the police station and ascertained the facts from sufferers. PUCL demanded action on police personals under section 307, 268 and 269. The state Govt. suspended the police personals responsible for this incident.
• Smt. Shesha Sudha, college lecturer in Vasavi Engineering college was on 12.02.2000 State PUCL President and General Secretary visited the spot and held Mr. Sharan as the culprit, after asserting facts from the college premises. Mr. Sharan was arrested and case is in the Court.
• On 16.02.2000 Lock up death of Shri Saanjaya Reddy Ilyas Shri Raja Reddy was reported. State PUCL made a representation to government to appoint a sitting judge as commission of enquiry and to take action to punish the culprits.The police personal who were on duty on that day have been suspended and departmental enquiry is going on.
• On 27.02.2000: State PUCL president condemned the brutal action of police on advocates who have been agitating for rightful action of condemning the act of Central Govt. in bringing an amendment to CPC allowing foreign agencies to interfere in Indian Service matters. State PUCL has called for support of the people to the agitation launched by advoctaes.
• In a note in end of February 2000 State PUCL condemned Central Govt.for undertaking a review of the Indian Constitution as it is only against the interest of SC., ST, and Minorities.
  

March 2000

• State PUCL expressed unhappiness the US President Bill Clinton's visit to India. PUCL General Secretary said that we were not against the US or the people of that country, but were against the US imperialism represented by Bill Clinton. United States had always were hostile to Indian interest and therefore Clinton's visit to India would increase the hardship of the people with aggressive domination of WTO and World Bank.
• On 25.03.2000, State PUCL condemned Central Govt. for increasing the prices of gas and kerosene and demanded a reduction the prices of these items which are mostly concerning to poor and middle class people.
• In a note on 31.03.2000. State PUCL condemned the act of police and State Govt. in suppressing the agitation of Angan Wadi Teachers and Workers. About thousands who gathered in Hyderabad and tried to approach the Assembly Hall to submit memorandum to Hon'ble Chief minister and Speaker of the Assembly were police lathi charged. Tear gas was also used. Many Angan Wadi workers suffered injuries and a few women lost their sarees and blouses also. State PUCL condemned the action of police and also of the Govt. It demanded a judicial enquiry and action against erring police personal.
  

April 2000

• On 14.4.2000, 4 persons said to be naxalites, were killed by police in the areas of police stations of Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar and Kukkataplly in Hyderabad. PUCL fact Committee of PUCL visited the place of encounter and condemned the action of police. The above named persons were brutally murdered.
  

Thus the State PUCL, after reconstitution in the month of September 1997, has been working continuously for the cause of people, for the protection of their rights by going to the effected areas, meeting the effected people, by constituting fact finding committees, by holding public meetings and by personally representing to the Govt. Shri Pattipati Venkateshwarlu Senior advocate of High Court has been cooperating with us in court matters for filing writ petitions in the High Court.

Before I conclude, on behalf of State PUCL, we offer our heartfelt respects to Shri MV Rama Murthy, one of the founder members and an important Human Rights Activist in AP who died on 24 September 19998.

I feel happy to announce here that relationship between Central and State have been cordial during this period. We have full support of Shri KG Kannabiran and Shri Y. P. Chhibbar.

I would like to thank the following elders and colleagues for extending their guidance and co operations in our efforts in running the State PUCL effectively and smoothly for the last two and half years and we expect the same co operation and guidance in future also.

Shri KG Kannabiran, President National PUCL; Shri K Pratap Reddy, Advocate and Advisor to State PUCL; Shri Pathiapti, Venkateshwarlu, Forum for Right to work; Shri P Narayana Swami, Trade Unionist and Activist- Human Rights; Smt. Malladi Subbamma, President State PUCL; Shri Iqbal Khan, EC Member PUCL; Shri Saida Rao, EC Member PUCL; Shri Khader, Vice President PUCL Nalgonda District; Shri Seshadri Rao, Member PUCL; Shri Rama krishna, General Secretary PUCL Krishna District; Smt. Laxmi Seshadri, Member PUCL; Shri Chandra Sekhar, Dist. Conveyor PUCL Vishakhapatanam; Shri C Narendra, Human Rights Activist; Professor Tippa Reddy.

I am also thankful to all the members we have come here from different parts of the state and making the function a success.

-- Jaya Vindhyala, General Secretary, PUCL AP State branch
-- Malladi Subbamma, President, PUCL AP State branch

Home | Index

(PUCL Bulletin, July 2000)