Patancheru police apprehended Gudem Madhusudhan Reddy, the younger brother of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Gudem Mahipal Reddy, in connection with an alleged illegal mining case. The arrest, made on Friday, has stirred a debate over the timing and motive behind the action.
According to the Patancheru Station House officer, Gudem Madhusudhan Reddy was taken into custody following the registration of a case against him for purported involvement in illegal mining activities within the district. However, the police asserted that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.
Reacting to the arrest, former Telangana minister and BRS MLA, Harish Rao, condemned the timing of the action and accused the ruling Congress party of engaging in political vendetta. Rao questioned the necessity and legality of the arrest, denouncing it as an attempt to intimidate Reddy and his family.
In a statement to the media, Rao criticized the manner in which the arrest was conducted, highlighting the absence of prior notice or formal documentation such as a FIR copy. He contended that Reddy’s apprehension lacked procedural fairness, emphasizing that in civil matters, a notice should precede any arrest.
Rao further alleged that the large police presence at Reddy’s residence resembled an intimidation tactic, questioning the need for such a show of force in a case that could have been addressed through civil procedures. He urged authorities to adhere to due process and ensure the protection of individuals’ rights, regardless of their political affiliations.
The incident has reignited debates over the politicization of law enforcement and the use of state machinery for partisan purposes. As tensions escalate, observers await further developments in this contentious issue, which underscores the complex interplay between law, politics, and justice in the region.
