Tensions in Pulivendula have taken a sharp political turn, not just due to the violence ahead of the ZPTC by-elections, but because of controversial statements made by DIG Koya Praveen, which have sparked outrage among YSRCP leaders and supporters.
After alleged attacks on YSRCP MLC Ramesh Yadav and leader Velpula Ramu, not only were no TDP workers arrested, but shockingly, 52 people including the victims themselves were booked under the SC/ST Atrocities Act. Many of the injured are now facing bind over cases while still in hospital beds — a move the YSRCP calls blatant misuse of law.
Adding fuel to fire, DIG Praveen’s remarks like “How can we arrest without visible injuries?” and “If you go to another place for cotton business, we can’t provide protection” have been slammed as provocative and politically tinted. His statement “If we weren’t there, heads would have rolled” has further intensified the backlash.
YSRCP leaders are accusing the police of acting as political agents of the TDP, selectively targeting their cadre while protecting the actual attackers. The alleged police bias, paired with derogatory and dismissive language, has led to growing public anger in the region.
As law and order comes under question, Pulivendula is witnessing not just a by-election battle — but a deeper struggle against politically motivated policing.
