TDP leader, family arrested over a stripping woman

Metro India News | guntur

A TDP leader and eight of his family members were arrested for allegedly stripping a woman and attacking her family here in Guntur district for denying a bribe of Rs 10,000, a police official said on Saturday. Mallela Venkata Ramana Murthy (45) is a ward secretary affiliated to the ruling TDP at Nagarampalem in Guntur town. The incident, which occurred in Krishnababu Colony.

According to police, Murthy demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a resident, Nageshwar Rao, on July 15. However, Rao declined to pay the bribe, leading to the attack on his wife. "We filed a case against the accused (Murthy and his family members) and apprehended them last night (Friday). Today, we will produce them in a court," the official said.

On July 15, when Rao was repairing the water bore in front of his house, Murthy arrived and demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000, but the former declined as it was his household work being carried out at his personal expense. Murthy picked up a fight with Rao, but his son came out and took him inside. However, at around 8 pm, Murthy returned along with eight of his relatives and started attacking Rao and others. In the melee, he also stripped Rao's wife, police said. Later, Rao's family lodged a complaint on July 16, prompting police to book a case under BNS Sections.

Babu orders strict action

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered stringent action against those involved in the alleged assault of a woman in Guntur, asserting that the law would take its course irrespective of political affiliation. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said he was "deeply disturbed by the incident reported from Guntur."

"The humiliation of any woman is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society. I have ordered immediate and stringent action. A criminal case has been registered, the accused has been arrested, and the party functionary involved is being suspended," Naidu said in a post on 'X'.

"My government's commitment is unequivocal: the law will be enforced fairly and firmly, without fear or favour," he asserted. "No individual will receive protection on account of political affiliation. Every woman in Andhra Pradesh must have the confidence that her dignity and safety will always be protected," Naidu added.