Centre faces criticism as NIA summons CPI (ML) Mass Line leader Ranga Rao for questioning
An NIA notice to CPI (ML) Mass Line State secretary Potu Ranga Rao under UAPA has sparked a political row in Khammam. Party leaders and others alleged harassment, while the agency summoned him for questioning in connection with a 2025 case
Khammam: A notice issued to CPI (ML) Mass Line State secretary Potu Ranga Rao by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) has caused a stir among political circles here.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Kaki Rahul Teja, chief investigating officer at the NIA Hyderabad branch office, in a notice issued under Section 179 of BNS, summoned Ranga Rao to appear at the NIA office for an enquiry on April 22.
He was summoned for questioning in connection with a case registered at the NIA police station, Hyderabad – FIR No RC04/2025/NIA/HYD on November 26, 2025. The FIR was registered under Section 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) of BNS; Section 13 (taking part in or inciting any unlawful activity) and 39 (support to a terrorist organisation) of UAPA.
When contacted, Ranga Rao told Telangana Today that the NIA has not given any specific reason for summoning him except for the assumption that he was acquainted with facts related to the above-stated FIR.
It was an attempt to threaten and harass those working for the democratic rights of the public under the guise of curbing urban naxalites, as often stated by BJP leaders and Union Ministers, he said.
He stated that he was surprised to receive a notice from the NIA, noting that he had condemned rights activist Gade Innaiah’s arrest, asserted that participating in the funeral rites was his fundamental right, and responded as the State secretary of the party.
Meanwhile, CPI (ML) Mass Line Central Committee leaders KG Ramachander, K Rama and K Ranga Reddy, along with former Yellandu MLA Gummadi Narsaiah, have demanded that the Centre immediately withdraw the notice issued to Ranga Rao.
They alleged that the Centre wants to harass Ranga Rao as he questions and opposes the anti-people policies pursued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The party conducts its activities legally and openly to address public issues, the leaders noted.
CPI (M) Khammam district secretary Nunna Nageswara Rao also condemned the issuance of the notice to Ranga Rao. The Centre was attempting to suppress those who raise their voices on public issues through legal cases, and it was unjustifiable.
