Hyderabad: BRS preventive arrests took place across Telangana on Tuesday as police detained party leaders and activists ahead of planned protests during the Assembly session.
The BRS alleged that the Congress government was trying to hide its failures during 1,000 days in office. According to the party, police targeted those preparing to raise public issues.
The party said the government should answer people instead of stopping protests. It also alleged that police action aimed to suppress Opposition voices.
Padma Rao placed under house arrest
In Secunderabad, police placed MLA and former Deputy Speaker T. Padma Rao under house arrest. His residence in Monda Market remained under police watch.
Across the Cantonment constituency, police began visiting BRS leaders’ residences early in the morning. Officers carried out house arrests and detained several activists.
Former market committee chairman T.N. Srinivas was placed under house arrest in Boinpally. Meanwhile, Karkhana police arrested activist Ravula Satish and four others in Ward 5.
The five activists were taken to the police station after their arrests. Police also went to the residence of former Cantonment Board vice-chairman Jakkula Mahesh Reddy.
By the time officers reached the house, Mahesh Reddy had already left. Police therefore remained outside his residence.
Former board member K. Pandu Yadav also faced house arrest. Officers confined him to his residence in Marri Ram Reddy Colony.
Police take Manne Krishank into custody
BRS spokesperson Manne Krishank also faced police action. Karkhana Circle Inspector Anuradha went to his residence early in the morning.
Krishank was away when the officer arrived. Video footage showed an argument between the police officer and family members.
His wife Suhasini told the officer that their young daughter was at home. She also said her husband was absent.
The officer reportedly insisted on entering the house. Video footage also showed the officer using abusive language while arguing with workers.
Police later detained Manne Krishank. His detention came amid wider preventive action against BRS leaders and activists.
BRS preventive arrests extend to Makthal
In Makthal, police placed former MLA Chittam Ram Mohan Reddy under house arrest. He had planned to submit a memorandum at the Ambedkar statue.
The programme formed part of the BRS Samara Bheri campaign. Makthal CI Ramlal and SI Raju stopped Ram Mohan Reddy from leaving his residence.
Ram Mohan Reddy criticised the Congress government over its 1,000-day rule. He alleged that 420 promises, 13 declarations and six guarantees had not been implemented.
He described the house arrest as an act of suppression. The former MLA also said police action would not stop BRS protests.
Ram Mohan Reddy said the party would continue raising public issues. He made the remarks after police prevented him from attending the memorandum programme.
Preventive arrests reported in Sircilla and Karimnagar
Police also carried out preventive arrests in Rajanna Sircilla district. Officers detained BRS leaders and ASHA workers in Ellareddypet and Gambhiraopet early in the morning.
The action followed concerns that they might travel to Hyderabad for an Assembly protest. Those detained were later released.
Karimnagar also saw arrests from the morning. Several BRS leaders and activists were detained within the limits of Two Town and Three Town police stations.
Bhuvanagiri leaders detained ahead of memorandum
In Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, police detained BRS leaders before a planned memorandum programme.
The BRS had planned to submit a representation at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar statue in Bhuvanagiri town. The party wanted to demand implementation of six guarantees and 420 promises made by the Congress government.
However, police detained party leaders from the morning. Officers then took them to police stations.
The preventive action covered several districts as the Assembly session continued. Police used house arrests and detentions to prevent BRS leaders and activists from joining planned protests.