Amaravati: In a scathing address to the media on Thursday, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N. Chandrababu Naidu of being responsible for the brutal murder of a Dalit man named Salman in the village of Pinnelli, located in the Palnadu district. Reddy expressed outrage over the escalating violence perpetrated by TDP cadres, asserting that such actions exemplify the failure of law and order in the state.
During his press conference at the party’s central office in Tadepalli, Reddy remarked, “This is a clear illustration of how far the Red Book Constitution has deteriorated in our state. In Pinnelli village, the sarpanch and three MPTCs belong to the YSR Congress Party. Yet, over 300 families have been forced to abandon their homes due to the intimidation orchestrated by Naidu.” He further alleged that Naidu is directly encouraging violence, leading to the displacement of villagers who are now unable to tend to their properties and fields.
The former Chief Minister highlighted that a petition is currently pending in the High Court, requesting police protection for the villagers to return to their homes. Amid this turmoil, Salman’s wife attempted to visit their home but fell ill. Tragically, in a brutal attack, Salman was assaulted with rods and killed while trying to see his wife. Reddy emphasized that there was no prior conflict between Salman and his attackers, indicating that the murder was a premeditated act orchestrated by higher authorities.
Reddy pointed fingers at police officials and Naidu’s associates, labeling them all as complicit in the crime. He condemned Naidu as a “wrong person” and criticized his leadership, claiming he embodies all negative traits and bad habits. “He teaches his son and party members to engage in violence and deceit, disregarding the values of honesty and integrity,” Reddy stated, referencing spiritual texts that advocate for truthfulness and justice.
Reddy vowed to bring the ongoing developments to the attention of the courts and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), asserting that justice will prevail for the affected villagers. He expressed optimism that the villagers would eventually return to their homes, stating, “Chandrababu Naidu’s reign will not last forever. In two years, the fruits of his actions will be evident.” He warned against the dangers of perpetuating a culture of violence, stating, “If this tradition continues, the toxic seeds sown by Naidu will eventually grow into trees that cannot be controlled.”
In a tragic turn of events, Salman succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on the third day after the assault. Reddy recounted how authorities obstructed the burial of the deceased in his own village, prompting a large gathering of party leaders, activists, and family members to demand access to the village. “Are we living in a democracy or not? This is something a Chief Minister must ponder,” Reddy challenged, denouncing the actions of the police as a seed for further wrongful traditions.
He concluded with a call for justice, emphasizing that leaders must stand for righteousness and fairness. “Every step must be taken with caution. If rulers deviate from justice and righteousness, it is akin to sowing poisonous seeds, which will grow uncontrollably in the future,” he warned. The unfolding situation in Pinnelli and the implications of political violence remain a critical concern for the state, as citizens seek justice and accountability from their leaders.
