Hyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party workers attempted to storm the office of the Director General of Police on Tuesday. They protested the death of their party candidate during the Mukthal municipal elections. The protest triggered tense scenes and prompted police intervention.
Activists pushed against barricades and tried to enter the DGP office premises. Police officers blocked their advance and dispersed the crowd. The confrontation remained brief. Later, police detained the protesters and shifted them to a nearby police station to restore order.
BJP leaders accused Fisheries Minister Vakiti Srihari of creating a climate of harassment. They alleged that the pressure led to the death of their Mukthal candidate. The deceased, Mahadevappa, was contesting the municipal elections at the time of his death.
Director General of Police Shivdhar Reddy said police registered a case in connection with the death. He confirmed that investigators had launched a probe. He also clarified that officials did not recover any suicide note.
Ward election halted after Mukthal candidate’s death
Following the incident, Election Officer Sriram announced the temporary cancellation of polling. Authorities halted voting for Ward 6 in Maktal town due to the candidate’s death.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar claimed that Mahadevappa did not die by suicide. He alleged murder and accused Congress leaders of using threats and intimidation during the municipal elections. He said fear of defeat had driven such actions.
Bandi Sanjay also announced that the BJP would launch a statewide campaign after the elections. He said party workers had consistently resisted political oppression. He added that the BJP would work to unseat the Congress government.