Andhra MLA Virupakshi, son arrested over attack on Dalit family after political clash
In the early hours of Sunday, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) legislator from Alur, B. Virupakshi, and his son Chandrasekhar were arrested by police in connection with an alleged attack on a Dalit family. The arrests followed a clash between supporters of the YSRCP and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Chippagiri mandal of Kurnool district.
The incident began with a reported argument over the phone between a TDP activist from Nemakallu and a YSRCP activist from Sangala. According to police sources, the dispute escalated after Mr. Virupakshi arrived in Nemakallu in support of his party follower. What followed was a series of attacks and counter-attacks between the two groups.
The TDP alleged that the MLA and his supporters entered the house of Nagaraju, a Dalit activist of the TDP, and attacked him and his wife. It was further claimed that the mob tore the clothes of Nagaraju's wife. Both sides reported damage to vehicles, including those of Mr. Virupakshi and TDP leader Purushotham. Mr. Virupakshi's brother also sustained an injury to his hand.
Police reached the village and brought the situation under control. Later, around 3 a.m., a police team went to Mr. Virupakshi's residence in Chippagiri and took him and his son into custody. Fourteen YSRCP activists were also arrested. The police have registered cases, including charges of attempt to murder and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, according to officials.
TDP's Alur Assembly constituency in-charge, Vaikuntam Jyothi, held the YSRCP responsible for the clashes. She alleged that the MLA's followers attacked TDP mandal convener Purushotham and damaged his car. She also expressed concern over the safety of the Dalit family.
YSRCP leaders have condemned the midnight arrest, calling it a “blatant misuse of police machinery.” They claimed that the MLA went to Chippagiri only after receiving a distress call from a YSRCP activist named Giri, whose life was said to be under threat. According to the YSRCP, TDP workers attacked the MLA and his brother with stones and sticks. They also alleged that the police registered cases against the victims, not the actual perpetrators.
Further, YSRCP leaders criticised the manner of arrest, saying police broke open the doors of the MLA's residence, seized CCTV hard disks, and took the MLA and his son away without allowing them to change clothes. They demanded an impartial inquiry into the events.
The area has remained tense since the incident. Additional police forces have been deployed in Sangala and Nemakallu villages to prevent further violence. Political observers note that clashes between party workers in the region are not uncommon, particularly during periods of heightened political rivalry.
Both the YSRCP and TDP have a history of trading accusations of violence and misuse of state machinery. This incident adds to the strained relations between the two parties in the run-up to local elections. Authorities have urged calm and assured that a fair investigation will be conducted.
The arrested MLA has been produced before a court, which sent him to judicial custody. His son and the other activists have also been remanded. Legal proceedings are underway.
