Facing YSRCP heat over rape, murder cases, Chandrababu Naidu tells police to complete probes, ensure justice
The murder of a 14-year-old girl and the gang rape of a minor in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts, respectively, has put the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA government in the state on the back foot, with the Opposition Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) accusing it of failing to ensure women's safety.
Facing criticism, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting at his residence late Tuesday and directed police officials to complete the investigation into both cases and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
In the first incident, on June 3, a 14-year-old girl stepped out of her home in Anantapur to buy a soft drink but did not return home. Two days later, her half-burnt body was found behind a school. On June 10, the police said they had cracked the case by arresting a tile worker who stayed near the house of the deceased girl and was allegedly in a relationship with her.
P Jagadeesh, Superintendent of Police (SP), Anantapur, said that K Naresh, 27, the accused arrested in the case, was married but was involved with the minor girl. According to a police official, on the evening of June 3, Naresh and the girl allegedly fought after he refused to leave his wife. 'He took her on his motorcycle, saying they could sort the issue out, but instead, he took her to a lonely place and hit her with a rock, killing her. He then set the body on fire,' a police official said.
The incident sparked widespread protests in Anantapur town and SP Jagadeesh suspended Rajendranath Yadav, Circle Inspector, Anantapur One Town police station, for not taking the missing complaint seriously and not acting promptly.
In the second incident in Sri Sathya Sai district, at least six people allegedly sexually assaulted a minor girl, repeatedly for at least three months, and filmed the act, threatening her not to disclose it. The gang rape came to light when the girl became pregnant and her parents lodged a police complaint. The police booked the six accused under various sections of relevant Acts, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and are looking for three others allegedly involved in the incident.
Even as Naidu expressed deep anguish over the incidents and directed officials that the accused must be punished without delay, the YSRCP attacked the government, saying the coalition government is failing to protect women, and demanded accountability.
Varudu Kalyani, YSRCP MLC and women's wing president, condemned the state government for its failure to ensure women's safety and accused it of enabling a surge in rapes and murders due to negligence and complicity.
'Under TDP's rule, women live in fear. The government's inaction has turned protectors into predators,' she said. The YSRCP is planning to hold protests statewide to highlight the issue of the lack of women's safety. 'Mere suspension of police officials for the rapes and murder is not enough. This is nothing short of a state-sponsored murder. CM Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and Home Minister Anitha Vangalapudi are shirking moral responsibility. They should resign,' she said.
The YSRCP is blaming the rise in atrocities against women on unchecked liquor and drug proliferation under the TDP's governance. 'The TDP-led government is enabling 'door-delivery' of intoxicants, fuelling crimes against women,' YSRCP leader R K Roja said. 'TDP leaders are directly responsible for these heinous acts,' she said, urging immediate action to curb substance abuse and ensure justice.
Botsa Satyanarayana, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, said that the party will intensify its fight for women's safety, saying, 'We will not rest until justice is served and women are protected.'
In his meeting with top officials, including Chief Secretary K Vijayanand, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, Intelligence Chief Mahesh Chandra Laddha, Naidu addressed concerns about substance abuse and said that potential offenders should be aware of the swift and strict action taken by law enforcement.
Naidu also underscored the need to send a strong message that whether a crime is committed in a fit of rage, under the influence of drugs, or in a planned manner, punishment is inevitable. He issued strict instructions to crack down on ganja gangs and stated that the police are being given complete freedom to act. 'A 100 per cent visible change must be achieved,' he asserted.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
NDA's first year in office presents a mixed bag in AP
The adage 'a mirror never lies' holds true, and the recent survey by People's Pulse Research Organisation clearly reflects that the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has little to boast about after its first year in power. The promises made during elections remain largely unfulfilled, and public expectations remain unmet. The NDA coalition partners—Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena, and BJP—find themselves in an unenviable position: the majority of the state's populace is waiting, burdened by problems yet hopeful for solutions. The prevailing public sentiment is not about revenge against opponents or factional gains, but a desire for welfare and development. Despite the central government's cooperation, economic progress is modest, at best. Caste equations are tilting towards reconfiguration. The TDP's internal discord has become a challenge to coalition unity, while Jana Sena's leadership struggles to maintain party survival. The BJP appears to lack a clear vision for growth in Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has failed to renew hope among the people, who see no change in its leadership. This broadly sums up the political, economic, and social landscape after one year of governance in Andhra Pradesh. A closer look reveals that the government's claims of being 'good' are not shared by the people. The People's Pulse survey, conducted across districts from Ichchapuram to Kuppam and Machilipatnam to Madakasira, engaging diverse age groups and communities, brings to light the fact that public opinion is largely skeptical. There is a cautious wait-and-see attitude—some promises have been partially fulfilled, but people are uncertain if the rest will be honoured. Officials' performance is viewed as unsatisfactory, and the ruling coalition's 'Red Book' culture (a term denoting vendetta politics) is widely resented. National parties are weakening while regional forces are growing stronger. Coordination among coalition partners seems lacking. The opposition YSRCP, despite being in opposition, fails to offer a credible alternative, with public scrutiny focusing on its leadership style and party conduct. The media and political parties remain polarized, often disconnected from genuine public issues and aspirations. The electorate believes that the ruling coalition need not offer anything new to justify itself; it should at least fulfill the promises made during elections. While pensions have been increased and distributed properly, other cash-based election promises remain unfulfilled, causing public dissatisfaction. The recent rollout of the 'Talliki Vandana' scheme (replacing Amma Vodi) has generated some positive feedback on the ground. However, people want welfare and development to proceed in a coordinated manner. Unfulfilled promises such as the 'Super Six' employment guarantees, unemployment benefits, farmer welfare schemes, monthly financial aid of Rs 1500 for those aged 18-69 years, and free bus services remain a concern. Locals acknowledge improvements in peace and security, road repairs, and sand mining regulations. Progress on the capital city Amaravati and Polavaram projects has accelerated, which is a source of satisfaction. However, criticism persists that ministers, MPs, and MLAs have been involved in nepotism and family patronage from early on, a practice that was less pronounced during the YSRCP government's initial years. Employment promises remain unmet, and people demand the implementation of the 'Prajagalam' scheme. The government's delay in delivering on its commitments raises questions among the public. Neither the ruling coalition nor the opposition has conducted a thorough review of why they won or lost. The ruling coalition maintains a confident stance, asserting that it is delivering governance according to the people's wishes and dismissing the opposition as ineffective. Conversely, the YSRCP claims the coalition government has failed in all areas and that the electorate will realize this and return YSRCP to power in four years. Both sides remain entrenched in echo chambers, unwilling to acknowledge realities. Despite the current political scenario, indications from the public suggest that by 2029, the one-party dominance of 2024 will no longer prevail. The public perceives that while Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu remains the central figure, others in the government have not performed well. Ordinary citizens accept Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister, but there is no widespread support for the Chief Minister's son Nara Lokesh as a future leader. The people are not ready for Chandrababu's radical experiments or his futuristic visions such as the 2047 concept or P-4 ideology, which remain obscure and unconvincing. Although projects are progressing faster with central assistance, the response to Amaravati's development is mixed, with concerns about regional disparities and inequality. There is a growing perception that the interests of Uttarandhra and Rayalaseema regions are being neglected. Land pooling controversies in the capital region persist, with doubts among original farmers. There is a call to extend tenant farmers' leases and pensions for another decade. The Polavaram project has restarted, but the displaced persons' issues remain complex. While law and order are not as dire as alleged by the YSRCP, revenge attacks and factional conflicts in Palnadu and some Seema areas continue to trouble the people. Citizens question the ongoing 'Red Book' vendetta politics and factionalism, asking what has changed since the previous government's failure. The average public opinion is a plea for coordinated welfare and development as promised. The coalition's policies and actions are seen as exacerbating regional and caste divisions. Influential Reddys are drifting back towards YSRCP, while communities such as Kamma, Kapu, Kshatriya, Vaishya, BC, and Madiga largely support the coalition. Conversely, Reddys, Muslims, Christians, Dalits, and other groups are strengthening the YSRCP's base. This social realignment signals new political reconfigurations ahead. Despite suffering a severe electoral defeat—dropping from 151 to 11 seats—the YSRCP retains about 40 per cent vote share and remains a strong political force in the state. There is a general expectation that its chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will modify his style and approach as an effective means to reconnect with the people and address their problems. Until such changes occur, the party's political fortunes are unlikely to improve. The public rejects the notion that the people will automatically re-elect YSRCP in the next elections. One major obstacle is the still-active 'coterie' around Jagan, which continues to act as a barrier between him, his party, and the public. The perception that 'Jagan is fighting for us' has yet to take root widely. Within the coalition, the TDP, expected to play the leading role, has been embroiled in internal strife since government formation. Possibly due to dependence on the central government, the TDP leadership appears to accept BJP's dominant role in the coalition. The public perceives that the BJP is negligible politically in the state. Jana Sena facesa similar predicament. In constituencies represented by Jana Sena, the TDP dominance is evident. The lack of close rapport between party chief Pawan Kalyan and his MLAs, and organisational weaknesses, have left the party in a precarious position. Only the young and loyal cadres seem responsive to Pawan's initiatives. The general public feels that Pawan Kalyan must uphold coalition principles, maintain Jana Sena's identity, and act decisively and straightforwardly as elections approach. Both the ruling coalition and opposition have achieved little in the past year; time has only passed without substantial progress. (The writer is a Political Analyst, People's Pulse Research Organisation)
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Andhra police name Jagan as accused in road accident case after his convoy vehicle ‘crushes YSRCP supporter'
YSRCP chief and former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has been named as an accused in a fatal road accident that allegedly occurred when he was on his way to Rentapalla village in Palnadu district recently, a police official said on Sunday. On June 18, Jagan Mohan Reddy visited Rentapalla to call on a family member of a YSRCP leader who had died by suicide a year ago. The former CM's vehicle went through the Etukuru bypass. 'After analysing various evidence, it was found that the deceased was seen under the wheels of Jagan Mohan Reddy's vehicle,' said Guntur district Superintendent of Police (SP) S Satish Kumar, addressing a press conference late on Sunday. Kumar said that upon receiving the information about the old man, Singaiah, who suffered severe bleeding injuries. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared brought dead by doctors, he said. A case was initially registered under Section 106(1) of BNS (causing death by negligence) based on a complaint by his wife, Cheeli Lurdhu Mary, at the local police station. After analysing CCTV footage, drone visuals, and circumstantial evidence, 'police confirmed that the deceased was run over by the Ex-CM's vehicle in the convoy,' said police. Following this 'confirmation, police altered the case to include Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 49 of the BNS (Abetment) and intensified the investigation into the circumstances involved. Other accused include Jagan Mohan Reddy's driver Ramana Reddy, Personal Assistant K Nageshwar Reddy, senior YSRCP leader YV Subbareddy, former MLA Perni Venkataramaiah, and former Minister Vidadala Rajini, Kumar told reporters. Their names have been added in the accused column, said Kumar, adding that legal action will proceed according to due process and applicable provisions of law, he said.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Jagan Mohan Named As Accused After Vehicle In His Convoy Runs Over YSRCP Supporter
Last Updated: A case had been registered against Jagan Mohan for the death of Cheeli Singayya, who was reportedly run over by the ex-Andhra CM's convoy in Guntur district. A case has been registered against YSRCP chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, after a party supporter lost his life after being run over by a vehicle that was part of Reddy's convoy in Guntur district. Guntur SP Satish Kumar said a case had been registered against Jagan Mohan for the death of Cheeli Singayya. On June 18, Jagan Mohan Reddy visited Rentapalla with a convoy of three vehicles to call on a family member of a YSRCP leader who had died by suicide a year ago. The event turned tragic as Singayya, who had gathered along the roadside with other YSRCP supporters, was knocked down by a vehicle in the convoy and sustained serious bleeding injuries. As the tragedy unfolded, eyewitnesses rushed to his rescue and alerted the law enforcement. Soon after, the man was taken to Guntur Government Hospital for treatment but he succumbed to his injuries. The tragedy raised concerns over crowd management and sparked widespread criticism regarding the lack of security oversight. 'After analysing various evidence, it was found that the deceased was seen under the wheels of Jagan Mohan Reddy's vehicle," said Guntur district Superintendent of Police (SP) S Satish Kumar, addressing a press conference late on Sunday. A case was initially registered under Section 106(1) of BNS (causing death by negligence) based on a complaint by his wife, Cheeli Lurdhu Mary, at the local police station. However, the SP said that after examining CCTV footage, drone videos, eyewitnesses, and other technical evidence, the case has been updated to include Sections 105 and 49 of the BNS, and legal action will be taken against all those present in the vehicle, including Jagan Mohan. Other accused include Jagan Mohan Reddy's driver Ramana Reddy, Personal Assistant K Nageshwar Reddy, senior YSRCP leader YV Subbareddy, former MLA Perni Venkataramaiah, and former Minister Vidadala Rajini, Kumar told reporters. (with agency inputs) First Published:
