Their `crime' was paying salaries to about 1,500 men attached to the battalion on the 1st of the month. Madireddy Pratap, who assumed charge as SAR commandant a few days ago, had directed the officials on February 28 not to release salaries until he personally inspected the entire force.However, the commandant did not return to the battalion till 7.30 pm on March 1 and the men, who had gathered on the premises since 3 pm, pressured the inspectors to pay them. As March 2 was a holiday, the inspectors reluctantly released the salaries. On his return, sources said a furious Pratap shouted at the inspectors for disobeying his instructions. Later, he reportedly asked four inspectors who were present in the office to assemble on the ground and crawlsome 25 ft. Unable to defy the order, the uniformed officers accepted the punishment. Confirming that he had received a complaint, AP Special Police IG Ramavatar Yadav said he would inquire into the matter.