KTR Allegedly Involved in Vikarabad Collector Attack, Claims Former BRS MLA
Political tension in Telangana has surged after a former MLA from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Patnam Narendra Reddy, admitted to orchestrating the attack on Vikarabad District Collector Prateek Jain under the direction of BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR).
Reddy, who was arrested by the police on Wednesday, revealed during questioning that he had been instructed by KTR and other senior BRS leaders to destabilize the government and tarnish its reputation. The police report revealed that Reddy had been in constant communication with Bogamoni Suresh, a BRS youth leader, discussing plans to incite violence amid local protests over land acquisitions. The investigation showed 84 calls exchanged over 70 days, involving discussions on escalating tensions.
Reddy and 46 others face charges of conspiracy and attempted murder in connection with the incident.
The Vikarabad Incident: Background
On November 11, a group of farmers in Vikarabad’s Lagacharla area clashed with district officials during a public meeting. The meeting was intended to address concerns regarding a proposed pharmaceutical company that would impact local farmers’ land. The confrontation escalated when protesters began throwing stones at the vehicles of the district officials, including Collector Prateek Jain and Kodangal Area Development Authority Venkat Reddy.
The villagers had been protesting for weeks over the proposed land acquisition for the pharmaceutical project, citing environmental concerns and the potential loss of their land.
Political Reactions: KTR Denies Allegations
Following Reddy’s arrest, KT Rama Rao dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. He called Reddy’s arrest a “kidnapping” by the police and denied any involvement in the violence. KTR also accused the state government of misusing its power to suppress opposition in the region.
In a press statement, KTR criticized the Congress-led government, claiming land corruption and manipulation in Vikarabad. He accused the government of misleading the public and the Telangana High Court about the status of the Hyderabad Pharma City project, alleging that the land was being repurposed to benefit the relatives of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. KTR also presented video evidence, claiming that local residents were threatened by individuals linked to the CM’s office.
