TDP Politburo member Varla Ramaiah alleged that YSRCP leaders were protecting individuals facing serious criminal charges and demanded strict legal action in the alleged attack on a Dalit family in Alur constituency.
Mangalagiri: TDP Politburo member Varla Ramaiah on Monday alleged that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leadership was protecting individuals facing serious criminal allegations instead of standing with victims, while referring to a recent incident involving a Dalit family in Alur constituency.
Addressing a press conference at the TDP Central Office, NTR Bhavan, Varla Ramaiah condemned the alleged attack on the family of Suchitra, a Dalit Madiga woman from Nemakallu village in Alur constituency.
According to Varla Ramaiah, the incident followed a local political dispute in Sangala village, where a verbal altercation reportedly took place between TDP supporters and a YSRCP activist.
He alleged that the dispute later escalated, with YSRCP MLA Virupakshi, accompanied by supporters, entering Suchitra's residence, damaging household property, assaulting family members and subjecting the woman to humiliation.
The TDP leader further alleged that Shekhar Yadav, a TDP supporter, was seriously injured during the incident before the group allegedly proceeded to Suchitra's house in search of her husband and other family members.
Varla Ramaiah claimed that despite Suchitra's pleas to spare her family, the attackers continued with the assault and vandalism. He said the allegations were serious and warranted strict legal action irrespective of the political affiliation of those involved.
The TDP leader welcomed the police for registering criminal cases against the accused and said the law had taken its course with the arrest of the MLA and several others.
He noted that the FIR reportedly included charges related to attempt to murder, provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and other serious offences.
He urged investigating agencies to conduct the probe without political interference and ensure that all those found responsible face legal consequences.
Varla Ramaiah criticised YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy over his reported decision to visit the jailed MLA.
He alleged that instead of expressing solidarity with the victim's family, the former Chief Minister had chosen to support an accused, sending what he described as a wrong message to society.
The TDP leader further alleged that this reflected a broader pattern of extending support to individuals facing serious criminal allegations and argued that political leaders should stand with victims while respecting the rule of law.
Varla Ramaiah demanded that Jagan Mohan Reddy publicly apologise to Suchitra and the Dalit community over the alleged incident.
He also urged the YSRCP leadership to suspend MLA Virupakshi from the party until the investigation is completed.
Concluding the press conference, he appealed to the people of Andhra Pradesh, particularly members of the Dalit community, to closely observe the response of the YSRCP leadership, asserting that justice should prevail and that no individual should be above the law if found guilty.
