Latest news with #Lakshminarayana
New Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Police excesses reflected organised crime: YSRCP coordinator Sajjala
VIJAYAWADA: YSRCP State coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy lashed out at the TDP-led NDA government, alleging that a section of police officers was functioning like a private army of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh. An organised crime gang was created within the police system, causing grave harm to the State's law and order machinery, he said. Speaking to mediapersons on Saturday, after visiting Lakshminarayana, a YSRCP activist, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Guntur after attempting suicide, Sajjala demanded strict action against the DSP, who harassed him. He also demanded that a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge be conducted into the incident. He said complaints against the State-sponsored violence would be submitted to the President of India, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). He said Andhra Pradesh was now witnessing a far worse situation that prevailed once in Uttar Pradesh, with unchecked police actions pushing it towards institutional collapse. Sajjala detailed how Lakshminarayana, a businessman and party activist, was summoned by the DSP on the pretext of a panchayat, verbally abused in the name of caste, and humiliated for his political affiliation. The emotional distress led him to attempt suicide, and he is now battling for life, Sajjala said.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
YSRCP activist tries to end life over ‘police harassment'
A businessman and YSRCP activist from Pedda Nemalipuri of Rajupalem mandal in Palnadu district tried to end his life allegedly owing to harassment by police and TDP leaders. The man, Gutha Lakshminarayana, is currently in the ICU at a hospital in Piduguralla. Former Gurazala MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy condemned the authorities' actions, alleging that Lakshminarayana, a YSRCP supporter from the Kamma community, was summoned to the Sattenapalli DSP office, where he was subjected to severe mistreatment and verbal abuse by the police. Mr. Mahesh demanded an immediate end to the 'Red Book' governance and urged adherence to the Constitution, warning that failure to do so could lead to unrest in Andhra Pradesh. 'Are members of the Kamma community are barred from supporting the YSRCP or being admirers of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy?' he asked. He called for swift action against the officials responsible for this incident and emphasised that such events must not recur. Mahesh criticised the ongoing 'misgovernance' and assured that the YSRCP stands firmly with Lakshminarayana's family. (Those in distress may dial 100 for assistance)
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Anantapur-Bengaluru train flagged off
The much-awaited direct train service from Anantapur to Bengaluru was flagged off by Anantapur MP Ambica G. Lakshminarayana from the Anantapur railway station, on Wednesday. District Collector Vinod Kumar V., Raptadu MLA Paritala Sunitha and DRM Chandrasekhar Gupta were also present during the occasion. The train no. 66560, which now runs from Anantapur to Bengaluru, used to run between Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district and KSR Bengaluru railway station under the Western Railways. Speaking after flagging off the train, Mr. Lakshminarayana said that the railway authorities have said that a separate pilot has to be allotted for the train which will start from Anantapur as it falls under South Central Railways (SCR). The MP said that he had taken up the issue with Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and other senior railway officials, and got the train extended till Anantapur. Earlier, the train used to have eight compartments and now it has been extended to 12, said Mr. Lakshminarayana. The long-cherished dream of the people of Anantapur has finally come true with the flagging off of the first train starting from the district, the MP said. He said that extension of the train service will be especially beneficial for students, parents, traders, and local residents traveling for medical and other emergency purposes. Highlighting cost effectiveness of rail transport, he stated that passengers can travel from Anantapur to Bengaluru for just ₹50. The MP expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for their support in enhancing the rail infrastructure of Andhra Pradesh. He further informed that the State has received a record budget allocation of ₹9,417 crore for the financial year 2025–26, the highest-ever compared to previous years. Mr. Lakshminarayana also said the Anantapur railway station is being redeveloped at a cost of ₹29.20 crores in a phased manner under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). The redeveloped station will be equipped with modern passenger amenities and world-class facilities, he said. Additionally, Dharmavaram, Hindupuram, Tadipatri, and Gooty railway stations will also be redeveloped under the ABSS, he added. Meanwhile, Raptadu MLA Paritala Sunitha appreciated the efforts of the MP in ensuring the extension of train no. 66559/66560 KSR Bengaluru–Sri Sathya Sai Prashanthi Nilayam–KSR Bengaluru MEMU service up to Anantapur. She said that the extended service will cater to the needs of various groups in the society. She also requested for more trains from Anantapur towards Vijayawada and Guntur. Earlier, Chandrashekar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Guntakal Division said that the extension of the Anantapur–KSR Bengaluru MEMU marks a significant milestone in enhancing rail connectivity and re-affirming the Railways' commitment towards providing best rail infrastructure for the people in the region. Later, the MP, MLA and railway officials travelled from Anantapur to Prasanayya Palli railway station.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Congress leader murdered at Guntakal, Sharmila demands fair investigation
ANANTAPUR: The gruesome murder of Chippagiri Lakshminarayana, Aluru constituency Congress incharge, has triggered widespread outrage in the region. The 58-year-old Dalit leader was a former MPTC member. The attack took place near the Aluru bridge on the outskirts of Guntakal, where assailants deliberately rammed a tipper into Lakshminarayana's car, and then hacked him to death with hunting machetes. Lakshminarayana was going from Guntakal to Chippagiri, along with his son Vinod and two others, when the attack took place. Guntakal police have identified four suspects in connection with the murder, and registered a case. A manhunt was launched to nab the assailants. The combination of a vehicular collision and machete assault highlighted the audacity of the crime. Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president YS Sharmila condemned the murder of Lakshminarayana, describing it as a stark reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in the State. In a post on X with images of the mangled car, and a Congress event, she demanded a high-level investigation to ensure that the culprits are severely punished. Sharmila expressed deep condolences to Lakshminarayana's family, pledging the party's full support to it. APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji said Lakshminarayana had sought police protection due to threat to his life from rivals, but no action was taken. Alleging possible involvement of TDP-led coalition supporters in the murder, Shivaji urged an impartial probe to deliver justice. The Congress called for urgent measures to address the escalating threats to public safety.
