*Dalit leader’s suicide attempt exposes police excesses: TJR Sudhakar Babu*

Palnadu, June 19: YSRCP State SC Cell President TJR Sudhakar Babu condemned the alleged police harassment that led Dalit leader Jada Surendra to attempt suicide in Piduguralla, stating that the incident reflects the growing oppression of marginalized communities under the coalition government. After visiting Surendra in Palnadu district, he said the government has created an atmosphere where even Dalits are unable to carry on their livelihoods and businesses with dignity.
Sudhakar Babu said that before people could recover from the killing of Dalit leader Manda Salman, another attempt was made to destroy the life of Jada Surendra through sustained mental harassment. He stated that Surendra was driven to attempt suicide after being unable to withstand continuous pressure from police officials. He accused Piduguralla Circle Inspector Venkata Rao of functioning like a Telugu Desam Party activist rather than an impartial law enforcement officer and demanded his immediate suspension, stating that the officer was involved in private settlements and misuse of authority.
He further said that recent incidents involving the custodial death of Gade Sai Krishna in Vijayawada and the death of Madiga youth Perupogu Kranthi Kumar following police harassment have created widespread fear among weaker sections. He asserted that SCs, STs, BCs and minorities who stand with Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy are being systematically targeted through intimidation, harassment and abuse of state machinery.
Sudhakar Babu declared that no amount of assaults, verbal abuse, illegal property seizures or false criminal cases would weaken the resolve of YSRCP cadres or marginalized communities. He warned that the people of Palnadu have a long history of resistance against injustice and would continue to fight against oppression, while demanding justice for Jada Surendra and accountability for those responsible for the police excesses.