For the first time since the formation of the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, Jana Sena Party president and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan directed the state police to register a case against TDP MLA from Srisailam, Budda Rajasekhar Reddy, for violating forest laws and assaulting forest department staff.
After receiving a report from senior forest officials about the alleged attack by the MLA and his followers in the Srisailam forest area on Tuesday night, Pawan Kalyan ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident.
He instructed the police to book Rajasekhar Reddy and his associates under the law.
“No one — regardless of their position — should be spared for indulging in criminal acts and violating laws. Whether it is the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister, the same rule applies,” Pawan Kalyan said.
He also pointed out that the Central government is introducing a law that mandates the removal of any public representative from office within 30 days of being arrested in a criminal case.
Pawan emphasized that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is equally determined to ensure accountability.
“If we are at fault, action must be taken against us as well. We are performing our duties with commitment and restraint. Hence, those in public life must first exercise self-discipline,” he added.
He made it clear that the coalition government under Naidu’s leadership would not tolerate anyone — at any level — obstructing government employees from performing their duties.
The incident reportedly occurred late Tuesday night when the MLA’s convoy reached a forest checkpoint, which was closed at the time.
Irritated that the gate was not immediately opened and that the staff did not approach him, the MLA allegedly hurled abuses and summoned nearby patrol staff.
When the patrol team from Nakkanti beat, under Yerragondapalem range, arrived, the MLA and his aides allegedly assaulted them. CCTV footage showed the MLA manhandling one of the employees.
The staff members were forcibly taken in a forest department vehicle, allegedly driven by the MLA himself, and were reportedly harassed until midnight.
Those injured included Deputy Range Officer Ramulu Naik, guard Guruvaiah, and driver Karimulla. Based on their complaint, police at Srisailam One-Town station registered a case.
Meanwhile, CM Naidu expressed strong displeasure and directly contacted forest officials to gather details.
He instructed that cases be filed and a detailed report submitted, stressing that no one, regardless of their political position, would be spared.