BRS women leaders approach SEC, Women’s Commission over assault in Kyathanapally

BRS women leaders filed complaints with the State Election Commission and Women’s Commission, alleging assault and intimidation during the Kyathanapally municipal chairperson election. They sought action against officials, protection for councillors and early rescheduling of the poll under strict supervision

Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi women leaders lodged formal complaints with the State Election Commission Telangana and the Telangana State Women’s Commission, alleging physical assault and intimidation of women councillors during the Kyathanapally municipality chairperson election held on Tuesday. They sought immediate action against Presiding Officer Satish Kumar and those responsible, and demanded that the election be conducted without further delay.

In their complaint, BRS stated that all 22 councillors, including members from BRS, Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India and independents, had assembled for the chairperson election on Tuesday. After oath-taking, 14 councillors, including BRS and CPI members, announced their support for the BRS candidate. The party alleged that Presiding Officer Satish Kumar allowed Minister G Vivek Venkataswamy to address the Council in violation of rules and influence councillors.

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Subsequently, newly elected councillor Gurram Srinivas allegedly attempted to coerce CPI councillor Mengu Muni to support Congress and, upon refusal, along with others, physically manhandled six BRS women councillors, outraging their modesty. BRS accused the Presiding Officer of failing to intervene and of not even allowing women police personnel into the hall. The election was later postponed, citing disturbance.

The BRS leaders urged the SEC and the Women’s Commission to take suo motu cognisance, preserve CCTV footage, register criminal cases, initiate departmental action against the Presiding Officer, and ensure protection to the affected councillors. They also demanded that the chairperson election be rescheduled within 48 hours under a special observer, with neutral police protection for the safety of BRS and CPI councillors.