YSRCP condemns police high-handedness on Dalit leader in Repalle

Tadepalli, August 1: YSR Congress Party strongly condemned the  police manhandling of Dalit leader and party coordinator Varikuti Ashok Babu in Repalle constituency of Bapatla district.

In a statement issued by former minister Merugu Nagarjuna, former MLA and YSRCP SC Cell State President TJR Sudhakar Babu, and YSRCP State General Secretary and official spokesperson Jupudi Prabhakar Rao, they said Ashok Babu was peacefully protesting near the Irrigation Office in Repalle over the poor condition of canals that are filled with weed growth and failing to supply water to farmers. Instead of addressing the farmers’ concerns, the local police reportedly behaved in a rude and aggressive manner.

They said that police forcibly dragged Ashok Babu by his hands and legs, causing severe injury to his back. He is currently unable to walk or even move due to the pain.

They questioned whether it was justifiable for police to act with such brutality against someone peacefully protesting for farmers' rights. They strongly condemned the conduct of Repalle police and warned that they must change their behavior and respect democratic norms. They reiterated that violence against those fighting for public welfare will not be tolerated in a democratic society.