*YSRCP extends Rs.10 lakh support to Kranti Kumar’s family*

Vijayawada, July 19: The YSR Congress Party extended financial and humanitarian support to the family of Dalit youth Kranti Kumar, who died by suicide following police harassment in Krishnalanka. Acting on the directions of YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, senior party leaders handed over Rs.10 lakh in financial assistance and announced that the party would take full responsibility for the education of Kranti Kumar’s children and provide free medical treatment to his ailing son. The assistance includes fixed deposits of Rs.5 lakh in the name of his daughter and Rs.2.5 lakh each for his two sons.

Addressing the media, YSRCP leaders accused the coalition government of abandoning Dalits and failing to deliver justice even in the State capital. They said the government attempted to suppress the case until Y.S. Jagan personally intervened and stood by the bereaved family, following which the case was converted under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They criticised the government for failing to provide the statutory compensation, government employment to the victim’s wife, free education for the children, agricultural land and house site benefits guaranteed to the family.

The leaders said Kranti Kumar’s son, who is suffering from a spinal tumour that affected his mobility, has already been shifted to a major hospital in Hyderabad for treatment under the party’s initiative, with all medical expenses being borne by YSRCP. They described Y.S. Jagan’s intervention as a humanitarian commitment that went beyond politics.

Condemning the deteriorating law and order situation, the leaders cited a series of incidents involving attacks on Dalits, women and even ruling party workers, stating that the police machinery has become a tool of intimidation instead of protection. They questioned why the accused CI Nagaraju has still not been arrested despite the registration of an SC/ST Atrocities case and demanded immediate action. Warning that the coalition government has become anti-Dalit and anti-poor, the YSRCP leaders vowed to continue their fight until justice is delivered to Kranti Kumar’s family and accountability is fixed on those responsible.