Sangareddy: Dalit leaders associated with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Mallareddypet, Munipally mandal, have alleged that they were attacked after opposing the movement of heavy vehicles carrying construction material through the village.
According to reports, road construction work is underway between the Mallareddypet outskirts and neighbouring Mallikarjunapalli. Heavy vehicles carrying gravel, sand, cement and other construction materials were reportedly passing through Mallareddypet.
BRS village president Prem and other local residents reportedly asked the drivers to use an alternative route outside the village, saying the heavy vehicles were damaging the local roads.
The situation allegedly escalated when a group of men from neighbouring Vatpally arrived at the location and confronted those who were stopping the vehicles. Prem alleged that he and others were attacked while Munipally Sub-Inspector Aravind was present.
Local reports said several people, including Prem, were injured in the incident. The allegations regarding the conduct of the police have not been independently established.
The BRS leaders also alleged that some of the men involved were followers of Telangana Health Minister Damodara Rajanarasimha. This is an allegation made by the local BRS leaders, and no independent confirmation of the political affiliation of the alleged attackers was immediately available.
The BRS leaders further alleged that instead of registering a case against the attackers, police summoned them to the station following pressure from local Congress leaders. They described the alleged police action as political interference.
A report published on September 28 said police had taken the injured Dalit residents to the station after the incident and that local groups were demanding action against those accused of the assault.
The incident has triggered allegations of political pressure and police inaction in the village. Further details regarding any cases registered and the police version of the incident are awaited.
