Did an Andhra Pradesh MLA and his supporters Kidnap and Assault Forest Officials?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Incident of kidnapping and assault involving an MLA and forest officials.
- MLA B. Rajasekhara Reddy is from the ruling TDP party.
- Incident raises questions about law enforcement and political influence.
- Protests by tribal communities highlight community concerns.
- Call for strict action against those involved in the attack.
Amaravati, Aug 20 (NationPress) A member of the legislative assembly (MLA) from Andhra Pradesh and his associates are accused of kidnapping and assaulting officials from the Forest Department near Srisailam in the Nandyal district, as outlined in a police report.
B. Rajasekhara Reddy, the MLA representing Srisailam from the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and his followers reportedly attacked the officials of the Nekkanti Forest Range, a segment of the Srisailam Tiger Reserve's Markapuram Division, late Tuesday night.
The forest officials subsequently filed a complaint with law enforcement. According to their account, the MLA and his entourage assaulted them shortly after kidnapping them around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
The complaint, submitted to the Srisailam One Town Police Station, details that the MLA and his group abducted Deputy Forest Officer Ram Naik, Beat officers Guruvaiah, Mohan Kumar, and their driver Karimullah, and assaulted them.
Following the incident, the forest officials reported the matter to higher authorities and proceeded to lodge a formal complaint with the police.
The officials informed the media that they were on patrol duty investigating a case related to a tiger's death when they encountered the MLA and his followers near a check-post. One employee mentioned that they were verbally abused and told they were not adhering to directives, despite their government being in power.
The officials alleged that the MLA himself was at the wheel of the government vehicle used for their kidnapping and assault. They claimed they were driven around the area until 2 a.m. before being released.
In response, Chenchu and other tribal groups held protests against the attack in Sunnipenta, Srisailam, Dornala, and Yerragondapalem.
The forest officials' association condemned the assault and highlighted that the issue has been raised with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who oversees the forest portfolio. They are calling for strict action against those implicated in the attack on employees from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed grave concern regarding his party MLA's actions. He has communicated with senior officials about the incident, requesting a comprehensive report.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to initiate a case and conduct a thorough investigation.
The opposition YSR Congress Party accused TDP MLA Rajasekhara Reddy of attacking the forest officers under the influence of alcohol, obstructing their patrolling duties, and harassing tribal personnel. This alarming incident has garnered significant criticism and underscores the perceived lawlessness among ruling party legislators, according to the opposition party.