The inhuman treatment of a woman in Narayanapuram village of Kuppam mandal in Chittoor district by a group of moneylenders has sparked a major controversy in the state, placing Telugu Desam Party president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in a tight spot.
The woman was allegedly tied to a tree and humiliated after her husband, Thimmarayappa, failed to repay a loan of â¹80,000 that he had borrowed from a man named Munikannappa three years ago.
Unable to bear the mounting debt, Thimmarayappa reportedly left the village a few months ago. His wife, Shireesha, has since been supporting her three children by working as a domestic help at her mother’s house in Shantipuram.
On Monday, Shireesha visited Narayanapuram village to collect a transfer certificate for her son from the local school. Upon learning of her presence, Munikannappa and his family members confronted her over the unpaid loan.
They tied her to a tree and brutally assaulted her. A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking statewide outrage and putting Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in an embarrassing situation, as Kuppam happens to be his own constituency.
Responding swiftly after the incident came to light, CM Chandrababu Naidu ordered strict action against Munikannappa and his family for their cruel treatment of the victim.
The chief minister immediately spoke to the District Superintendent of Police, who informed him that the accused had already been arrested.
Naidu directed the police to ensure that such incidents do not recur. He also instructed district officials to extend all necessary support to the victim’s family.