Hyderabad: Former Minister and senior BRS leader Tanneru Harish Rao was placed under house arrest by the police on Friday.
This preventive measure was taken to avoid any potential escalation of tensions following the recent clashes between MLAs Kaushik Reddy and Arekapudi Gandhi. The police moved to avoid further unrest after incidents outside Kaushik Reddy’s house and subsequent arrests. Rao was confined to his residence in Kokapet, and BRS leaders were prohibited from visiting him.
In a broader crackdown, the police initiated preemptive arrests of BRS party leaders across the state. Several leaders from the joint Karimnagar district were placed under house arrest, including Harishankar, President of Karimnagar city, Suresh, husband of former ZP Chairperson Jagityala, and former market committee chairman Praveen. These arrests were made even before they reached Hyderabad.
Harish Rao condemned the arrests of BRS leaders, accusing the authorities of targeting the party unfairly. He demanded the immediate release of all BRS leaders and activists, questioning the government’s sincerity in allowing the attackers of MLA Gandhi to go unpunished while arresting BRS leaders. He denounced the arrests as undemocratic.
The tensions stem from a two-day political feud between BRs MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and MLA Arekapudi Gandhi, centered around allegations of party defections.
On Thursday, Kaushik Reddy vowed to visit Gandhi’s house and hoist the BRS flag, but was arrested by the police before he could do so. In a retaliatory move, MLA Arekapudi Gandhi and his followers visited Reddy’s residence, resulting in a violent altercation involving throwing tomatoes and eggs.
Windows and vases were destroyed, and in response, BRS workers hurled sandals. The commotion lasted for about an hour and a half on Thursday before Gandhi was arrested and later released by the police.
Telangana Police have registered a case against BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy for obstructing the police duties. Rayadugam police registered a case under 132, 351 (3) of the BNS Act based on a complaint lodged by Additional Superintendent of Police Ravi.
Tight security measures have been put in place at both Gandhi’s and Kaushik Reddy’s houses, as the BRS announced plans to hold a party constituency meeting at Gandhi’s residence, with Kaushik Reddy also pledging to attend.
