- A Guntur woman was assaulted over a borewell permission dispute.
- CCTV footage surfaced online, prompting arrests and widespread outrage.
- TDP suspended its ward secretary linked to the violent incident.
- Nara Lokesh condemned the act, promising strict legal action.
A shocking assault on a woman in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district has ignited widespread outrage, with the incident quickly escalating into a political flashpoint between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The controversy intensified after CCTV footage of the alleged attack surfaced online, prompting swift police action and disciplinary measures within the TDP. The incident occurred on July 15 in Krishna Babu Colony, which falls under the Nagarampalem police station limits. Investigators have registered a criminal case and arrested the accused, while the ruling party has suspended one of its functionaries allegedly linked to the incident.
Dispute Over Borewell Permission Turned Violent
According to police, the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over a borewell permission request. A family had reportedly sought approval to drill a new borewell after their previous one was damaged during drainage expansion work undertaken by the Guntur Municipal Corporation, as per reports.
Investigators allege that TDP ward secretary Mallela Venkata Ramana Murthy demanded money from the family in connection with the permission process. The disagreement allegedly escalated, eventually leading to violence.
Police said a group of people, including some transgender individuals who had sided with one of the parties involved in the dispute, allegedly attacked a woman from the opposing side and stripped her. CCTV footage of the incident later emerged on social media, drawing widespread condemnation.
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Police Arrest Accused, TDP Takes Disciplinary Action
Following the circulation of the video, police launched an investigation, registered a case and arrested the accused.
The matter took on political significance after one of those arrested was identified as having links to the TDP. Guntur MLA Galla Madhavi sought immediate action, following which the party suspended the functionary from all organisational responsibilities.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with officers reviewing CCTV footage, collecting evidence and recording witness statements to determine whether additional individuals were involved.
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Lokesh Says ‘No One Will Be Protected’
Reacting to the incident, TDP national general secretary Nara Lokesh said the government would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards crimes against women, irrespective of political affiliation. Nara Lokesh said: “Absolutely shocked and outraged by the horrific incident in Guntur. Anyone who thinks political connections or party affiliation can protect them is gravely mistaken.”
He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had ordered immediate action after the incident came to light.
