In a significant development, B. Virupakshi, a legislator from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) representing Alur, along with his supporters, was arrested early Sunday morning. This action stems from their alleged involvement in an attack on a Dalit family, which followed a violent clash between YSRCP and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) activists.
Following the incident, tension flared in the villages of Sangala and Nemakallu in the Chippagiri mandal. The atmosphere remained charged at the Chippagiri police station, where YSRCP leaders organized protests demanding the release of their arrested MLA.
Reports indicate that the altercation began with a dispute between a TDP activist from Nemakallu and a YSRCP activist from Sangala, reportedly related to a phone issue. The situation escalated rapidly when Mr. Virupakshi arrived in Nemakallu to support his follower.
The conflict led to considerable violence, with TDP representatives accusing the MLA and his supporters of breaking into the home of Nagaraju, a TDP SC activist, and assaulting him and his wife. Allegations have also surfaced claiming that during this attack, the clothing of Nagaraju’s wife was torn, heightening the level of tension as both factions engaged in physical confrontations.
Damage was inflicted upon the vehicles of both Mr. Virupakshi and TDP leader Purusotham, with reports confirming that Mr. Virupakshi’s brother sustained an injury to his hand amidst the chaos.
The local police intervened, managing to control the situation. However, in the early hours past midnight, authorities raided Mr. Virupakshi’s residence in Chippagiri, subsequently arresting him and his son, Chandrasekhar, along with fourteen other YSRCP activists.
TDP Alur Assembly incharge Vaikuntam Jyothi has accused the YSRCP of inciting the violence, alleging that the MLA’s followers assaulted TDP mandal convener Purushotham and caused damage to his vehicle.
In response, YSRCP leaders have condemned the circumstances surrounding Mr. Virupakshi’s arrest, labeling it a gross misuse of police authority. They assert that the MLA was called to Chippagiri following a distress signal from YSRCP activist Giri, who allegedly felt threatened. Instead of safeguarding the victim, they contend that TDP supporters launched an attack on the MLA and his brother using stones and sticks. The police reportedly filed attempt-to-murder and SC/ST-related charges against the victims in this incident, which has stirred further controversy.
Moreover, YSRCP representatives criticized the conduct of the police during the arrest, claiming that officers forcibly entered the MLA’s home around 3 a.m., confiscated CCTV hard drives, and took away the MLA and his son without permitting them to change their clothing.
