Kaushik Reddy seeks privilege motion against Karimnagar police officials

BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy has urged the Speaker to initiate a privilege motion against three senior police officers, alleging obstruction and humiliation during a temple visit in Karimnagar. He has sought an inquiry and action to protect legislative dignity

Hyderabad: BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy urged Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to initiate a privilege motion against three senior police officers, alleging obstruction, humiliation and breach of legislative privilege during a temple visit in Karimnagar district. He wanted the Speaker to seek explanations from the officers concerned, order an inquiry into their conduct, and take appropriate action to protect the dignity and privileges of the House and its members.

In a notice submitted to the Speaker on Friday, the Huzurabad MLA named Karimnagar Police Commissioner Gaush Alam, Huzurabad ACP Madhavi and Jammikunta Rural Inspector Laxmi Narayana. He said the officers unlawfully restrained him and his family on January 29 when he visited the Sammakka-Saralamma temple at his native village of Veenavanka in Karimnagar district to offer prayers.

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He stated that he was forcibly removed from the temple premises and prevented from performing rituals, calling the police action arbitrary and an insult to the dignity of an elected representative. He argued that the incident amounted to contempt of the House and obstruction in discharging his duties in his own constituency.

Questioning the disregard of the officials for established protocol, Kaushik Reddy said the incident caused humiliation to him and undermined the dignity and authority of the State Legislative Assembly. He said that a Dalit woman sarpanch, Saroja, was also prevented from performing the ritual and breaking a coconut during the festivities. He also announced plans to lodge a complaint with the State SC/ST Commission over the insult to the Dalit woman sarpanch.