*Farmers meet NHRC over police harassment*

New Delhi, June 4, 2026: Women farmers and agricultural labourers from Mamillapalli village in Ponnur Mandal, Guntur district, approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), regarding sustained harassment, police excesses, and false criminal cases after they demanded a remunerative price for their maize crop. The delegation met the Commissions under the leadership of YSRCP MPs Golla Baburao and Tanuja Rani, along with Ponnur YSRCP In-charge Ambati Murali Krishna.
The farmers stated that the government-declared Minimum Support Price (MSP) for maize is Rs. 2,400 per quintal, but they were compelled to sell at around Rs. 1,650. They alleged that after questions were raised regarding the procurement process and the role of local MLA Dhulipalla Narendra, police action was unleashed against them. According to the complaint submitted before the NHRC, a warehouse where farmers had stored their produce was raided and sealed, only to be reopened later after district authorities reportedly confirmed that it belonged to the farmers.
Women farmers and labourers further complained that during protests demanding fair prices, police personnel used excessive force, dragged women by ropes tied around their necks, and behaved in a manner that violated their dignity. They sought action against the officials involved and demanded withdrawal of cases registered against them, including SC/ST Atrocities Act cases and attempt-to-murder charges.
The delegation informed the media that NHRC Chairman Justice V. Ramasubramanian reviewed videos relating to the incident and assured that the Commission would examine the matter. Similar representations were submitted before the National Commission for Scheduled Castes regarding the treatment of SC women agricultural labourers during the protests.

Rajya Sabha MP Golla Baburao said it was deeply disturbing that farmers seeking a fair price for their produce had been forced to travel to New Delhi and seek intervention from national institutions. Araku MP Tanuja Rani stated that videos showing women being dragged and manhandled by police were shocking and reflected the plight faced by women under the current administration.

YSRCP Ponnur In-charge Ambati Murali Krishna demanded the immediate withdrawal of all cases registered against the 14 women farmers and labourers. He stated that farmers were only seeking the MSP announced for their crop and questioned the use of serious criminal provisions against women who participated in peaceful protests. He asserted that YSRCP would continue to support the affected families until justice is delivered.