Controversy over treatment of BRS leader Balka Suman in jail; Officials deny harassment

The BRS alleged that its Mancherial district president Balka Suman was denied basic facilities in Adilabad jail after his arrest. Former minister T Harish Rao accused prison officials of harassment, while authorities denied the claims and said norms were followed

Adilabad: Prison officials in the district have drawn criticism after the BRS alleged that its Mancherial district president Balka Suman was not provided food or allotted a barrack on the day he was arrested and remanded in judicial custody in the district jail here.

Suman was shifted to the jail on Wednesday after being remanded in connection with the alleged unlawful assembly and rioting case in Kyathanpalli municipality. Former Finance Minister T Harish Rao alleged that Suman was neither provided food nor allotted a barrack on the first day and claimed that he was lodged in a barrack lacking basic amenities. Alleging harassment, Rao said prison officials were acting at the behest of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Congress leaders, particularly Labour Minister G Vivek.

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Meanwhile, some Congress-affiliated media and social media platforms alleged that Suman had requested jail officials to provide a litre of milk, eggs and non-vegetarian breakfast, lunch and snacks, as well as an air-conditioner or air cooler in his barrack. Responding to these claims, jail officials denied the allegations and maintained that all facilities were being provided strictly in accordance with prison norms, clarifying that no discrimination was being shown against him.

Officials stated that Suman was allotted a barrack designated for undertrial prisoners and asserted that he had not demanded any special menu or additional amenities, contrary to reports circulating on media and social media platforms.

BRS leaders also refuted the allegations against Suman, accusing the Congress of spreading false propaganda after he played a key role in helping the party secure a majority of wards in coordination with the Communist Party of India. They alleged that attempts to target and harass Suman were politically motivated, adding that he would withstand such actions.