A brutal act of public humiliation in Narayana Puram village of Kuppam Mandal has sparked statewide outrage, especially as it unfolded in the very constituency represented by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
Shirisha (25), a daily wage laborer and mother of two, was forcibly tied to a tree, beaten with sticks, and spat upon in broad daylight—allegedly by Munikannappa, a local Telugu Desam Party (TDP) worker. The incident, which occurred in full public view and in front of her minor son, has sent shockwaves across Andhra Pradesh.
Debt, Despair, and a Disturbing Display of Power
The trigger dates back three years: Shirisha’s husband had borrowed ₹80,000 from Munikannappa. Unable to repay, he eventually fled the village, leaving Shirisha to shoulder the responsibility alone. Despite toiling daily and raising her children on her own, the mounting debt turned into a tool of harassment.
On the day of the assault, Shirisha was reportedly walking along the road when Munikannappa verbally abused her in vulgar terms, dragged her forcefully, and enacted the horrifying assault that now circulates on social media in the form of a viral video.
A Village Watches, a Child Weeps
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching detail is that the assault took place in the presence of Shirisha’s young son, who stood nearby, weeping helplessly. The video of the incident—which has since gone viral—has intensified the public fury, drawing comparisons to khap-style justice and lawlessness.
Public Outcry and Political Shockwaves
The backlash has been swift and fierce. Women’s rights groups, civil society organizations, retired bureaucrats, senior journalists and citizens have reacted strongly and condemned the act, demanding justice and accountability. They also urged the Centre to act on this issue. They are expecting The National Commission for Women (NCW) to take suo motu cognizance of the incident.
The fact that the incident occurred in Chief Minister Naidu’s own constituency has added a layer of political sensitivity. Opposition parties are questioning the state’s commitment to law and order, especially under the TDP’s governance.
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Kuppam Police have initiated an investigation, but there are growing concerns about delays and potential political interference, given the accused’s connection to the ruling party. Activists are demanding an independent inquiry, preferably led by a senior woman IPS officer.
Legal and Social Ramifications
Legal experts suggest that offenses under IPC Sections 354 (Assault on a woman), 506 (Criminal intimidation), 342 (Wrongful confinement), and 509 (Insulting the modesty of a woman) are applicable. If convicted, the accused may face up to 7 years in prison.
Beyond the legal scope, this case has highlighted entrenched issues of patriarchal dominance, caste oppression, and the failure of institutions to protect vulnerable women in rural areas.
Demands from the Ground:
- Immediate arrest of Munikannappa and all accomplices
- Security and psychological support for Shirisha and her children
- A strong public condemnation from CM Naidu
- Fast-track court proceedings to deliver swift justice
సీఎం చంద్రబాబు #Kuppam నియోజకవర్గంలో దారుణం..
— Telugu Feed (@Telugufeedsite) June 17, 2025
కొడుకు కళ్ళముందే తల్లిని చెట్టుకు కట్టేసి కొడుతుంటే బోరున ఏడుస్తున్న బాలుడు..
కుప్పంలో అప్పు డబ్బుల కోసం మహిళను చెట్టుకు కట్టేసి… కర్రతో దాడి చేయడమే కాకుండా మొహంపై ఉమ్మేసి .. అసభ్యకరంగా సాటి మహిళ ప్రవర్తన#AndhraPradesh… https://t.co/v9MCSFYjBm pic.twitter.com/hbPQLbn3i3
