A series of shocking incidents in Mangalagiri constituency, represented by Minister Nara Lokesh, has triggered public outrage, with residents questioning the state of law and order. Allegations of sexual assaults, gang rapes, drug peddling, kidnappings, violent murders, and a recent student suicide have intensified concerns over public safety in the capital-region segment.
Degree Student’s Suicide Shocks Constituency
The latest incident involves a degree student who died by suicide after being allegedly trapped and blackmailed by a senior student. According to reports, the accused recorded private videos and circulated them among peers, threatening to release them online if she refused his demands. The emotional trauma reportedly drove the victim to take her life. The tragedy has renewed debate on campus safety and the failure of preventive mechanisms.
Pattern of Disturbing Crimes
Residents point to a pattern of serious crimes over the past year. On March 24, 2025, a woman was raped and murdered in Tadepalli, near the DGP’s office. On April 6, 2025, police seized 8.71 grams of cocaine and 1.2 kg of ganja in Mangalagiri, arresting four youths. Two days later, a brutal murder linked to local rivalry was reported in Seethanagaram. On December 21 and 22, 2025, a 13-year-old girl was gang-raped, with four arrests made, including a father and son. On January 5, 2026, an intermediate student was kidnapped in broad daylight after her family was assaulted. These incidents, along with repeated reports of chain snatching, robberies, and harassment of women during late hours, have fueled anxiety among residents.
Drug Menace and Public Safety Questions
Local voices allege unchecked sale of ganja and synthetic drugs, with even cocaine seizures reported. Critics argue that token arrests have not deterred supply chains or rising youth addiction. They question the effectiveness of night patrol systems, CCTV coverage, conviction rates in drug and POCSO cases, and the response time of women’s helplines. Concerns are also raised about campus surveillance, hostel security, counseling support for victims, and awareness programs in schools and colleges.
Governance and Accountability in Focus
The coalition government has consistently maintained that crime rates have declined and policing has strengthened. However, opposition voices and civil groups question the credibility of official statistics, arguing that recurring incidents contradict such claims. They demand transparency on FIR registrations, conviction rates, and preventive policing measures.
Criticism has also been directed at the Home Department, alleging inadequate review meetings and lack of direct grievance redressal mechanisms for women. Questions are being raised about whether public representatives are taking proactive measures to ensure citizen safety or merely issuing assurances.
Political Heat Intensifies
Opposition leaders allege administrative complacency and demand immediate steps to curb drug trafficking and violent crimes in Mangalagiri. They insist that public safety, especially for women and students, must be treated as a priority rather than a political issue. With incidents occurring close to the state capital, residents argue that ensuring robust law enforcement in Mangalagiri is not just a local necessity but a matter of statewide credibility.
As the debate intensifies, citizens are asking a pointed question: if such incidents continue in a high-profile constituency, what confidence can ordinary people have about safety elsewhere?
