On Vijayadashami day, Tirumalachetti Lakshminayudu, belonging to a prominent social community in Darakanipadu village of Gudluru mandal, SPSR Nellore district, was brutally murdered by TDP leader Kakarl Harischandra Prasad. The shocking incident, where Harischandra Prasad allegedly ran his car over Lakshminayudu and his two brothers, has sparked massive anger and protests within the victim’s community. Lakshminayudu died on the spot, while his brothers Pawan Naidu and Bhargav Naidu were severely injured, their limbs fractured, and are currently undergoing treatment in Guntur hospital.
Murder Rooted in Caste Arrogance
According to reports, the murder was premeditated and driven by caste arrogance. The accused Harischandra Prasad had allegedly been harassing Lakshminayudu’s wife Sujatha after a financial dispute. Lakshminayudu had sold his tractor to Harischandra Prasad for a certain sum, but nearly Rs. 2 lakh remained unpaid. When Lakshminayudu demanded the pending amount, the TDP leader began verbally abusing and harassing Sujatha over the phone with obscene messages.
When Lakshminayudu’s younger brother Pawan and relative Bhargav confronted Harischandra Prasad, he arrogantly dismissed them, saying, “Do whatever you can.” Later, he mortgaged a truck as surety for the payment, but soon filed a false police complaint alleging the family had forcibly taken his vehicle. He reportedly held a grudge and planned revenge. On Dussehra day, when Lakshminayudu and his brothers were riding a bike, Harischandra Prasad rammed his car into them and attacked them with an iron rod. Lakshminayudu succumbed on the spot.
Echoes of Ranga’s Murder and Mudragada’s Humiliation
The gruesome killing has reopened old wounds among the victim’s community. Many are recalling the 1988 murder of Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga, a leader from the same community, who was brutally killed in Vijayawada allegedly with TDP’s political backing. That incident triggered widespread unrest and prolonged enmity between two caste groups in the state.
During TDP’s previous regime (2014–19), senior leader Mudragada Padmanabham, who fought for the inclusion of Kapus among BCs, was humiliated and arrested by Chandrababu Naidu’s government, with police deployed to crush his movement. Community leaders are drawing parallels, saying this pattern of oppression continues even today.
Used for Power, Then Abandoned
Members of Lakshminayudu’s community allege that they were merely used as political tools to bring the coalition to power. They express deep anguish that despite Pawan Kalyan—who hails from their community—serving as Deputy Chief Minister, atrocities against their people continue.
They question why, despite having MLAs from their community, the real control within TDP still lies with leaders from other dominant castes. “They hold our feet to gain power, and once in power, they trample us,” fumed community elders.
Delayed, Performative Condolences
The coalition government came under heavy criticism for its delayed and seemingly staged response. Nearly two weeks after the incident, the local TDP MLA visited the bereaved family on October 17. Later, Home Minister Anitha and Municipal Minister Narayana also paid visits to Darakanipadu.
Chandrababu Naidu eventually directed officials to investigate, but his slow response drew ire. Critics point out that when TDP leaders Veerayya Chowdary or Chandraiah were killed, party leaders rushed immediately, but Lakshminayudu’s case saw silence for two weeks — revealing selective empathy.
Social Media Erupts with Anger
Members of Lakshminayudu’s community have taken to social media, expressing their fury over caste-based arrogance and suppression by TDP leaders.
They question how long their community will continue to be oppressed, demanding equal treatment and justice. Many note the hypocrisy of TDP leaders who demand statewide sympathy when their own community leaders are attacked but ask others to remain silent when atrocities occur against different castes.
“They use us like curry leaves — only for election flavour, then discard us,” read one viral comment. Online platforms are now flooded with angry posts from the youth of Lakshminayudu’s community, vowing not to remain silent anymore.
