A shocking case of police brutality in Tenali has ignited a firestorm of criticism across Andhra Pradesh, after three young men — John Victor, Rakesh, and Sheikh Babulal — were publicly assaulted by police officers in broad daylight.
Brutal Assault in Public View:
According to the video, the three youths were forced to sit on the roadside, where they were mercilessly beaten with lathis (batons) by multiple police officers. In a disturbing turn, one Circle Inspector allegedly held their legs down with his foot, allowing another officer to strike their legs repeatedly.
In a display that has been widely condemned as inhumane, other police personnel reportedly filmed the assault and even supplied fresh lathis when the original ones broke. The incident, witnessed by passersby, was caught on video and quickly spread on social media, prompting statewide outrage.
Public and Human Rights Response:
The incident has triggered a wave of condemnation from human rights organizations, civil society, and common citizens, many of whom have taken to social media and public platforms to demand justice. Activists are urging national and international human rights bodies to intervene and investigate the apparent abuse of power by law enforcement.
Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Sharp Rebuke:
Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy issued a strong statement condemning the assault, labeling it a “direct attack on constitutional values and human rights.”
In his remarks, Jagan accused the Chandrababu Naidu-led government of fostering lawlessness and suppressing democratic freedoms. He likened the situation to a “Red Book Constitution” being imposed, implying an authoritarian interpretation of law used to justify violent suppression.
Jagan also emphasized the marginalized identities of the victims, stating that Dalit and Minority youths were specifically targeted in this public display of force. “Justice must come through courts, not lathis,” he declared, calling for urgent judicial intervention and a full-fledged investigation.
