'Rama Rajyam' Leader Detained After Temple Priest Assault
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Synopsis
A Hyderabad court has placed 'Rama Rajyam' founder Kovvuri Veer Raghava Reddy into police custody for three days following the assault on Chilkur Balaji Temple's chief priest, C. S. Rangarajan. The investigation aims to uncover the motives behind the attack and the activities of the controversial organization.
Key Takeaways
- Kovvuri Veer Raghava Reddy was sent to police custody.
- The incident involved an attack on C. S. Rangarajan.
- Police are investigating the organization’s motives.
- Raghava Reddy promised financial support to recruits.
- The 'Rama Rajyam Army' was established in 2022.
Hyderabad, Feb 17 (NationPress) A court in Hyderabad has ordered the police custody of Kovvuri Veer Raghava Reddy, the founder of the 'Rama Rajyam' organization, following an incident involving an attack on C. S. Rangarajan, the chief priest of Chilkur Balaji Temple. The police requested a week-long custody for Raghava Reddy, but the Rajendranagar court limited it to just three days.
Despite Raghava Reddy's attorney arguing against the police custody and seeking bail, the court dismissed these claims, resulting in the accused being remanded to police custody.
The Cyberabad police are set to interrogate Raghava Reddy for a duration of three days starting Tuesday, aiming to uncover the underlying motives and activities associated with his organization.
Hailing from the East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, Raghava Reddy, alongside 17 followers, was apprehended for the assault that occurred on February 7 against Rangarajan, who serves as the chief priest at the well-known Chilkur Balaji Temple located in the Ranga Reddy district near Hyderabad.
In their statements, several accused individuals revealed that they were enticed into joining the organization through promises of financial aid and provisions made by Raghava Reddy.
According to police reports, a group of 20-25 individuals dressed in black uniforms invaded Rangarajan's residence in Chilkur, where they assaulted him, demanding financial support for their organization as well as recruitment into the 'Rama Rajyam Army'. The incident came to light on February 8 when Rangarajan filed a complaint.
Reports indicate that Raghava Reddy established the 'Rama Rajyam' organization in 2022 through various social media platforms, including Facebook, and launched a YouTube channel. He shared Bhagavad Gita slokas and encouraged followers to join the Army for the purpose of safeguarding the Hindu religion. He also declared that individuals registering between September 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, would be recruited into the 'Rama Rajyam Army' with a monthly salary of Rs 20,000.
In response to this announcement, 25 individuals initially convened with Raghava Reddy on January 24, 2025, in Tanuku. After a four-day stay, they traveled to Kotappakonda, contributing Rs 2,000 each for the stitching of uniforms by a local tailor.
On February 6, following the receipt of their uniforms, they assembled in a private residence in Yapral, Hyderabad, capturing photos and videos in their uniforms against the backdrop of the organization’s symbols. The next day, they proceeded to Chilkur in three vehicles and launched an assault on Rangarajan.
