RS Praveen Kumar says govt reduced his security cover after exposing scams

BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar accused the Congress government in Telangana of vendetta politics after his security cover was reduced and his bulletproof vehicle withdrawn. He alleged that the move was politically motivated, citing his refusal to join the Congress and his criticism of scams.

Hyderabad: Accusing the Revanth Reddy government of pursuing vendetta politics, BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar charged that his personal security had been reduced.

“My driver has been asked to return the bulletproof vehicle. There have been three attempts on my life so far,” he said.

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Addressing a press conference, Praveen Kumar said he had served under Congress, TDP and BRS governments, but his security had never been reduced. He said the previous BRS government had continued his security cover even after he took voluntary retirement in 2021.

He alleged that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s brother, Tirupati Reddy, had been provided security with four gunmen carrying advanced weapons imported from Israel. “Is he Telangana’s Security Advisor like Ajit Doval?” Praveen Kumar asked.

Explaining why his security was curtailed, he stated that the Congress government was upset because he had exposed scams and irregularities.

Referring to the Bandi Sai Bhageerath POCSO case, Praveen Kumar said he had presented evidence while questioning the government’s failure to arrest the accused and deliver justice to the victim. He stressed that the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, did not like being questioned.

Praveen Kumar also referred to the phone-tapping case. He said the BRS had maintained that phone tapping was legal and was practised by all governments.

“More importantly, I declined the Chief Minister’s offer to join the Congress. I also refused the posts of TSPSC Chairman and Planning Board Vice-Chairman. What other reason could there be for reducing my security?” he asked.

He reiterated that he would continue to remain with the BRS and question the Congress government. “I have written to DGP CV Anand regarding my security issue,” he added.

BRS condemns reduction in security

BRS working president KT Rama Rao condemned the reduction in Praveen Kumar’s security and demanded that it be restored immediately.

Rama Rao said Praveen Kumar had survived attempts on his life and continued to face security threats. Despite this, the government had deliberately reduced his security, which appeared to be part of a conspiracy, he alleged in a post on X.

“As part of its effort to silence questioning voices, the State government is resorting to such actions. I demand that the government abandon its vendetta politics and restore security to Praveen Kumar,” he said.