Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has initiated a thorough investigation into several incidents that have occurred since September 6. The probe aims to address allegations involving the mistreatment of Dalit Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar and the subsequent purported “purification” of a road in Erravelli, following the passage of Dalits. There are also reported incidents concerning women and on-duty personnel near the Assembly.

In a session of the Legislative Assembly, Reddy underscored that the government considers these incidents grave and would not stand for caste discrimination, untouchability, or oppression. As part of the inquiry, Hyderabad Joint Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar has been designated as the inquiry officer, tasked with uncovering the facts behind the events.

Allegations of Insults and Community Reactions

The Chief Minister claimed that the Speaker was subjected to insulting language, questioning whether political disagreements can justify such disrespect. Reddy equated those who insulted the Speaker to terrorists, referring specifically to Ajmal Kasab, a perpetrator of violence in India. He acknowledged that various political parties had suggested the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) issue an apology and rectify their alleged error regarding the treatment of the Speaker.

In response to the reported insult, Dalit community members held protests characterised by traditional drum beating, calling for accountability. Reddy indicated that these protesters maintained a respectful distance from the farmhouse, refraining from any verbal or physical abuse while seeking a formal apology from the offending parties.

Additionally, Reddy has alleged that former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, rather than offering an apology, directed a purification ritual at the site, purportedly on the instructions of a woman leader named Sandhya Rao. Reddy mentioned that Rao expressed this act of purification on social media as an action taken at KCR’s behest.

Scope of the Investigation and Legal Consequences

During his address, Reddy questioned the behaviour of a leader with a decade-long tenure as Chief Minister, noting the inappropriate nature of such actions. He asserted that the underlying issues to be addressed are not the physical locations but rather the entrenched prejudices that persist in society. Reddy expressed that the feudal mindset prompting such purification rituals must be examined.

The inquiry is set to encompass events beginning from the September 6 meeting at the farmhouse and will delve into the reports of harassment against women near the Assembly, as well as any assaults on officials on duty. The investigation aims to clarify the roles of individuals involved in both issuing orders and implementing them during these incidents.

Reddy confirmed that criminal charges would be filed where necessary, and stringent legal measures would be enforced against those determined to be culpable. He reiterated the intention to carry out actions without political bias, asserting that those who demean Dalits would face legal repercussions, while those who orchestrated these actions would be held fully accountable in a court of law.

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