TDP leader held for assaulting woman over water pump connection in Guntur: Cop

In Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, police have arrested a local leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Mallela Venkata Ramanamurthy, along with eight other individuals. They are accused of a brutal assault and public humiliation of a 46-year-old woman stemming from a dispute over a motor pump connection for her drinking water pipeline.

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When her husband refused, Ramanamurthy picked quarrel and threatened. Later, at about 8pm on July 15, he, along with his mother, wife, two sons and relatives, including a transgender person, trespassed into the woman’s house and assaulted her and her family members.

The incident reportedly occurred on the night of July 15 in the Krishnababu colony. According to police, Ramanamurthy, identifying himself as a ward secretary, allegedly demanded ₹10,000 from the woman for installing the pump. When her husband refused, a quarrel ensued, followed by threats. Later that evening, Ramanamurthy, accompanied by his mother, wife, two sons, and other relatives, including a transgender person, allegedly trespassed into the woman's house.

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During the attack, the accused allegedly outraged the woman’s modesty by tearing her clothes, physically assaulting her, causing bleeding injuries, and forcibly snatching away her gold ornaments, mobile phone, and other valuables.

During the alleged assault, the accused are said to have torn the woman's clothes, physically attacked her causing bleeding injuries, and forcibly taken her gold ornaments, mobile phone, and other valuables. When her elder son intervened, he was reportedly assaulted and nearly strangled before local residents and women intervened to rescue him and provide the victim with clothes and safety.

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I was deeply disturbed by the incident and had ordered immediate and stringent action. A criminal case has been registered, the accused arrested and the party functionary involved suspended.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu strongly condemned the incident, calling the humiliation of the woman "completely unacceptable." He stated that immediate and stringent action had been ordered, a criminal case registered, and the accused party functionary suspended. "No individual will receive protection on account of political affiliation. Every woman in Andhra Pradesh must have the confidence that her dignity and safety will always be protected," Naidu asserted. Guntur West MLA Galla Madhavi announced Ramanamurthy's suspension from the party pending further investigation.

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No individual will receive protection on account of political affiliation. Every woman in Andhra Pradesh must have the confidence that her dignity and safety will always be protected.