Hyderabad, India: Police have detained former BRS MLA Patnam Narender Reddy in connection with an attack on district authorities during a public hearing on land acquisition in Telangana’s Vikarabad district. The incident, which led to the arrest of sixteen individuals, occurred as villagers in Lagacharla village protested against the acquisition of their lands for proposed pharmaceutical companies.
During the attack, protesters targeted Vikarabad District Collector Prateek Jain and other officials, resulting in injuries to an Additional Collector, Kodangal Area Development Authority (KADA) chairman, and a DSP rank police official. The violence unfolded during a public hearing organized by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC).
Authorities have filed three FIRs related to the incident and suspended internet services in Dudyala Mandal. It was revealed that a BRS youth wing leader, believed to have instigated the attack, is currently on the run.
Patnam Narender Reddy, who had previously run against Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy from Kodangal Assembly Constituency in Vikarabad, is currently being questioned about the events surrounding the assault. This development comes as a contentious issue within the community, highlighting the tensions surrounding land acquisition and industrial development in the region.
As investigations into the attack continue, local residents and officials are grappling with questions about the appropriate response to dissent and the protection of public servants. The incident has underscored the challenges faced by authorities in balancing the interests of local communities with proposed industrial projects in the area.
Efforts to address the underlying issues that led to the attack are underway, with a focus on promoting dialogue and understanding between stakeholders. The situation remains tense, with both supporters and opponents of the land acquisition expressing their concerns and grievances. Moving forward, authorities are working to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of all involved in public hearings and development projects.