*YSRCP condemns the attack on shepherds*

Tadepalli, June 16: YSRCP official spokesperson Yanamala Nagarjuna Yadava condemned the assault on Yadava shepherds in Edumudi village, stating that the incident reflects the complete collapse of protection for Backward Classes under the coalition government. He said the victims were abused with caste slurs, dragged into a TDP office by their hair, and brutally attacked with sticks and iron rods after questioning the abuse, yet the attackers were granted station bail while cases were registered against the victims themselves.
Nagarjuna Yadav demanded the immediate arrest of those involved under attempt-to-murder charges and sought the suspension of the Ongole Rural Circle Inspector and DSP for shielding the perpetrators and intimidating victims into silence. He stated that despite the incident occurring on June 7, it remained hidden until Yadava community organizations intervened and staged protests before the district administration.
He said the victims, who had travelled from Chinnagollapalem to Edumudi for shepherding work, were subjected to caste-based humiliation and violent assault during a village mediation meeting before being dragged into a party office and nearly beaten to death. He criticized the police for omitting serious charges, failing to invoke provisions relating to caste abuse, and instead registering cases against the injured Yadava youths.
Nagarjuna Yadav questioned the silence of BC ministers, Yadava legislators, and leaders within the ruling alliance, stating that political positions should not come before justice for members of their own community. He warned that treating BCs as a community expected only to endure humiliation and violence would have serious political consequences, and demanded the withdrawal of cases against the victims, strict action against the attackers and police officials involved, and immediate justice for the assaulted Yadava families.