In a chilling incident of police brutality, officers in Tenali, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, have ignited nationwide outrage by viciously attacking Dalit and Muslim youth. The assault, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has exposed a gross violation of human rights, raising questions about the state of democracy in the region. The Andhra Pradesh police’s actions, allegedly driven by a constable’s demand for a bribe, have drawn sharp condemnation from citizens, activists, and human rights organizations, who are demanding accountability and justice.
A birthday celebration turns violent
On the night of April 24, John Victor and Babulal from Mangalagiri, along with Rakesh from Tenali, gathered in Itanagar, Tenali, to celebrate a friend’s birthday. After cutting a cake, a plainclothes individual, later identified as Constable Kanna Chiranjeevi, approached Rakesh and demanded money. When Rakesh refused, a heated argument ensued, escalating to the constable’s attempt to assault him. John Victor and Babulal intervened to de-escalate, retrieving Rakesh’s phone and bike keys from the constable. The trio left the scene on a bike, unaware of the ordeal awaiting them.
False charges and arrest: April 25
The following day, the police retaliated. Citing a fabricated complaint that the three youth had assaulted the constable, they were arrested and taken to Tenali’s Two Town Police Station. There, they endured severe beatings, marking the beginning of a series of violent acts by the police.
Public assault and torture: April 26-27
On April 26, Circle Inspectors Ramulu Naik (Two Town) and Ramesh Babu (Three Town) escalated the brutality. The youth were taken to a road in Itanagar, forced to sit, and mercilessly beaten with lathis on their soles. One officer pinned their feet with his boot while another struck repeatedly, ignoring their cries of pain and pleas for mercy. Blood flowed, and lathis broke, yet the assault continued. The horrific scene, recorded on a cellphone, left onlookers in shock. The following day, April 27, the police took the youth to Lingaram Center for another round of beatings, leaving them so severely injured they could barely walk.
Medical neglect and threats: April 28
On April 28, the injured youth were taken to a doctor who, allegedly under police pressure, provided only painkillers and declared them “fine.” When presented in court, the police intimidated the victims, threatening further violence, including “shock treatment,” if they spoke of the assault. One victim, a BA LLB graduate, was warned that his advocate license would be revoked. These threats silenced the youth in court, compounding their trauma.
Police justification and Public backlash
The police have attempted to justify their actions, claiming the youth were intoxicated on ganja and attacked the constable. However, the victims and their families assert the conflict arose from the constable’s demand for a bribe. The viral video, which surfaced a month later, has fueled public outrage, with netizens demanding action from the National Human Rights Commission. The Commission has called for an immediate end to such inhumane acts, questioning how authorities can justify such brutality. Social media platforms are ablaze with criticism, with citizens asking, “Are we living in a democracy or a barbaric regime?”
Government’s defense and a tragic suicide
The Andhra Pradesh government has attempted to defend the police, labeling the victims as “rowdies” and alleging they attempted to murder the constable. The Home Minister echoed this narrative, while official fact-checks dismissed the bribery claims. However, the credibility of these defenses was further undermined when another Tenali youth died by suicide, reportedly due to police harassment. While authorities acknowledged the suicide followed an investigation, they downplayed its connection to police actions, further fueling public distrust.
Netizens and activists demand justice
The involvement of another Circle Inspector from a neighboring police station has raised suspicions of a broader cover-up. Netizens question why the incident was suppressed for a month before the video went viral, suggesting police attempts to conceal their actions. Locals have described the assault as “more brutal than terrorist treatment,” while Dalit organizations are demanding atrocity cases against the responsible officers. “This is a blatant violation of human rights,” said a Dalit activist. “The guilty must face justice.”
Families fight back
The victims’ parents are outraged, dismissing claims of attempted murder as fabricated. “Our children were beaten like animals for refusing to pay a bribe,” said a parent. “We will fight for justice.” They are calling on Dalit and civil society groups to join their struggle against this injustice. Reports suggest the police have initiated damage control, attempting to negotiate settlements with the families, but the demand for accountability remains strong.
This incident has exposed systemic issues of police overreach and abuse of power in Andhra Pradesh. The public, activists, and human rights organizations are united in their call for a thorough investigation, strict action against the guilty officers, and reforms to prevent such atrocities. The nation watches as Tenali becomes a flashpoint for justice and accountability.
