In a state grappling with rising crimes against women and minors, “jungle raj justice” has surfaced alongside selective inaction against ruling coalition legislators implicated in sexual misconduct. Critics claim the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance is bypassing legal processes to quell public outrage, while shielding its own. Andhra Pradesh’s NDA government faces mounting scrutiny over suspicious deaths of suspects in high-profile rape and murder cases involving minors, with opposition parties alleging state-orchestrated killings to mask law enforcement failures. Compounding the controversy, several coalition MLAs stand accused of sexual harassment, yet no swift punishments have been imposed, raising questions of double standards. As incidents persist despite these drastic measures, the debate intensifies on whether such tactics deter crime or erode constitutional justice.
A Pattern of Suspicious Endings
From Lockup deaths to ‘Suicides’
Since the coalition assumed power in June 2024, a string of child rape-murder cases has shocked the state, each marred by the abrupt demise of key suspects under police watch. Opposition voices decry these as extrajudicial executions designed to deflect blame from governmental lapses in women’s safety. Official narratives attribute the deaths to accidents or self-harm, but families and activists demand independent probes.
In July 2024, the Muchumarri case in Nandyal district set a grim precedent. An eight-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped and murdered by three minors (aged 12-13) while playing in a park. The boys confessed to disposing of her body in an irrigation canal. Police detained Ambati Hussain alias Yohan (35-36), the uncle of one accused, for aiding in concealing the body. Hours later, Hussain died in custody. Authorities claimed he fell from a moving jeep during an escape attempt or succumbed to “exhaustion,” but reports suggest brutal interrogation, including beatings and gagging. His family settled privately with police, fueling suspicions of a cover-up.
Fast-forward to October 2025 in Tuni, Kakinada district: A 13-year-old Gurukul schoolgirl was lured from her hostel by TDP leader Tatik Narayanarao (62), who posed as a relative. He allegedly assaulted her in nearby bushes until locals intervened. Arrested under POCSO Act, Narayanarao reportedly requested a toilet break en route to court and jumped into Komati Cheruvu pond, drowning. Police labeled it suicide, but his family contests this, alleging foul play amid viral videos of the assault. YSRCP leaders point to political pressure, noting Narayanarao’s TDP ties.
The latest echo came today in Madanapalle, Annamayya district. A seven-year-old girl vanished on February 16 while playing near home. Her body was found the next day in a drum at neighbor Kulavardhan’s (27-30) residence, revealing rape and strangulation under ganja influence. Detained yesterday, Kulavardhan was discovered dead this morning in Kanasanivaripalli pond, another “suicide” per police. Public outrage boiled over, with protests demanding justice and questioning if authorities engineered the death to appease crowds.
Why aren’t the Atrocities stopping?
Critics Question ‘Deterrent’ Strategy
Proponents of swift action argue that eliminating suspects instills fear, preventing future crimes. Yet, the recurrence, from Muchumarri to Madanapalle, undermines this. “If this is the right path, why is another innocent life lost?” labeling it “Red Book” vigilantism over Indian Penal Code. Data shows a spike in crimes against women since the coalition’s ascent, with over 1,500 reported assaults in 2025 alone, per NCRB preliminary figures. Government officials counter that enhanced reporting reflects better policing, not failure, and deny any extrajudicial involvement.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has vowed thorough investigations, emphasizing “zero tolerance” for crimes against minors. However, opposition demands a CBI probe into the deaths, citing eroded trust in state machinery.
Double Standards?
Coalition MLAs evade scrutiny amid harassment claims
While suspects in public cases meet swift ends, allegations against coalition lawmakers linger unresolved, fueling hypocrisy charges. YSRCP highlights five MLAs facing serious accusations, yet no arrests or disqualifications.
- Koneti Adimulam (TDP, Satyaved): A TDP woman leader filed a complaint with video evidence of sexual harassment. No action reported.
- Abdul Nazir (TDP, Guntur East): Accused of harassing a party worker via objectionable video calls. Video surfaced, but the government was silent.
- Kuna Ravi Kumar (TDP, Amudalavalasa): Allegedly pressured a KGBV school principal for late-night calls and office visits. Victim’s claims ignored.
- Arava Sridhar (Jana Sena, Kodur): In the most explosive case, a married government employee accused him of repeated assaults, forced abortions, and threats over 18 months. Videos show explicit interactions, including from assembly washrooms. An FIR was filed under BNS sections for cheating and intimidation; Jana Sena formed a probe panel, but Sridhar denies it as blackmail.
- Bojjala Sudheer (TDP, Srikalahasti): Linked to a murder case involving blackmail with private videos of Jana Sena in-charge Kota Vinutha. No charges pressed.
