Daijiworld Media Network - Amaravati
Amaravati, Jul 18: Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday condemned the alleged assault and stripping of a woman in Guntur district, asserting that political affiliation would not protect anyone from legal action after a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) functionary was accused of involvement in the incident.
The incident took place in Krishnababu Colony, where a dispute over a house borewell reportedly escalated into a violent clash between two groups.
According to preliminary information, members of one group, including some transgender persons who had allegedly joined in support of the faction, assaulted and stripped a woman belonging to the rival group. CCTV footage of the incident later surfaced on social media, sparking widespread outrage and prompting a police investigation.
Police registered a criminal case and arrested the accused. The case assumed political significance after it emerged that one of those arrested was associated with the ruling TDP.
Guntur MLA Galla Madhavi also took serious note of the incident and sought immediate action. The party subsequently suspended the accused functionary from all party posts.
Reacting to the incident, Lokesh said the government would not tolerate crimes against women, irrespective of the political background of the accused.
"Absolutely shocked and outraged by the horrific incident in Guntur. Anyone who thinks political connections or party affiliation can protect them is gravely mistaken," he said.
"Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered immediate strict action. A criminal case has been registered, the accused has been arrested, and I have directed that the TDP functionary involved be suspended from all party posts. Let this be a clear warning: there is zero tolerance for such behaviour. If you disgrace a woman, you disgrace the values we stand for, and you will face the full force of the law, no matter who you are," Lokesh added.
Police said further investigation is underway, including examination of CCTV footage and statements of those involved, to establish the sequence of events and identify any additional accused. Authorities said further legal action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.