KTR demands Revanth Reddy apologise for police abuse of Lagacherla tribals, seeks action against erring officials

Says NHRC report vindicates allegations by BRS against the police abuse on victims; exposes brutalities committed against Dalit and tribal women

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, demanding an unconditional apology over the sexual abuse and human rights violations reported against tribals for land acquisition in Lagacherla. Citing the findings of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), he demanded stringent action against the officials responsible including dismissal from service within six weeks, failing which the BRS would approach the courts.

Addressing the media after meeting victims from Lagacherla, Rama Rao said the NHRC report vindicated the allegations by the BRS against the police abuse on victims for past several months. He termed it a slap on the face of Revanth Reddy, exposing the brutalities committed against Dalit and tribal women.

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“If Revanth Reddy has any shame or dignity left, he should resign and apologise to the tribals for the police excesses carried out under his watch,” he demanded.

The BRS working president stated that the police, acting like a private army of the Chief Minister, inflicted severe physical and sexual violence on the tribal population of Lagacherla, particularly women.

He reminded that former MLA Patnam Narender Reddy was arrested for supporting the tribal farmers and sent to prison for 37 days. “The police acted like predators, forgetting that they too have mothers and sisters,” he said.

Reminding that Revanth Reddy is not only the Chief Minister, but also the Home Minister and Kodangal MLA, Rama Rao said, “If he has any conscience, he must act. If not, he will bear the full responsibility for this atrocity.”

The NHRC, in its report, submitted after a field visit, found that the police committed grave violations, including illegal detention, custodial beatings, and sexual harassment. The Telangana government has been directed to take action within six weeks or face intervention from the Commission itself.

The Commission also condemned attempts to forcibly acquire land for a pharmaceutical company allegedly linked to the Chief Minister’s son-in-law. The report stated that even those uninvolved in the protests were beaten and warned not to speak out before magistrates.

“A young woman told NHRC that both she and her mother-in-law were harassed. Another woman narrated how the police attacked on her bare thigh. No woman fabricates such traumatic experiences,” Rama Rao stated, terming the incident a shameful chapter in Telangana’s history. He warned police officers who allegedly overstepped their limits, stating that when the BRS returned to power after three years, the officers responsible for will not be spared, even if they retire.

Further, the former Minister charged the Congress government with continuing secret attempts to acquire land in Lagacherla despite a clear stay from the Telangana High Court. He also claimed the authorities were threatening victims to suppress their voices. “The CCTVs in police lockups don’t work conveniently. There’s a clear pattern of cover-up,” he said.

The BRS leader pointed out that his party had taken the issue to the National SC/ST Commission, National Women’s Commission, and the NHRC. “The NHRC’s report is a vindication of every statement we made. Justice and morality are still alive in this country,” he said, thanking the NHRC for its impartial investigation.

On the occasion, Rama Rao revealed that the Lagacherla tribals, despite facing oppression, donated Rs 1 lakh to support the BRS silver jubilee celebrations. “I salute the courage of the women and the community. They thought of us even in such a difficult time,” he said. He assured them of continued support from the BRS, until justice is served. “Our fight will not stop until this government is held accountable,” he declared.