In a move that stunned many, the Andhra Pradesh government recently reversed its decision to appeal the 2016 Tuni train burning case, barely 24 hours after announcing it. The decision—and the sudden U-turn—has brought an old and emotional chapter back into the spotlight.
Back in 2016, Tuni witnessed a dramatic protest led by Mudragada Padmanabham, demanding reservation for the Kapu community. What started as a peaceful rally turned chaotic when protesters allegedly set a passenger train on fire. The incident made national headlines, and several leaders were slapped with serious charges.
Years later, in 2021, a railway court dismissed the case, citing weak evidence. That seemed to close the book—until now.
The newly elected coalition government, led by TDP and Jana Sena, briefly considered reopening the case by appealing to the High Court. But after public backlash and concerns about political targeting, the government quickly pulled back. Critics saw the move as a potential vendetta against Kapu activists, while others worried it would deepen community divisions.
This brief but intense moment shows just how powerful public memory and social sentiment can be. For many, the Tuni incident isn’t just history—it’s a reminder of community struggles, political choices, and the need for sensitivity in governance.
