Ahmedabad, April 28: The Gujarat unit of the Indian Police Service (IPS) Association submitted a memorandum to the State Election Commission on Monday, seeking action against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gopal Italia for his recent comments on social media. The association described these remarks as “derogatory, condemnable, and defamatory” towards the police force and election officials.
This memorandum was presented following Italia’s Facebook Live video on April 26, which was widely circulated on social media platforms. The association stated that the MLA used “extremely inflammatory language” concerning senior police officers and personnel.
The memorandum characterized these comments as a “personal insult” to members of the force and a “deliberate attempt” to incite public distrust in both the police and the electoral system during the ongoing election period.
Signed by President Gyanendra Singh Malik, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, and Secretary Nipuna M. Torawane, the memorandum emphasized that while criticism of public institutions is a legitimate aspect of democratic processes, “character assassination is unacceptable.”
It further noted that police officers work under challenging conditions and are tasked with maintaining law and order while ensuring fair protection for all citizens, especially during elections.
Details from the broadcast revealed that Italia questioned the functioning and impartiality of certain police and election officials, alleging bias in political activities and enforcement actions.
The association warned that such statements risk diminishing public trust in the institutions responsible for conducting free and fair elections. Citing violations of the Model Code of Conduct, the association urged the Election Commission to take strict action against the MLA, asserting that such measures are essential to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and maintain the morale of officials on election duty.
Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the Principal Secretary of the Home Department and the Director General and Inspector General of Police in Gujarat.
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