VIJAYAWADA: Angry Telugu Desam supporters in large numbers attacked the car of and injured V. Kumara Swamy, husband of Vidadla Rajani, YSR Congress party MLA, Chilakaluripeta, and Gopinath, her brother-in-law, in the early hours on Friday. They duo were returning in the MLA’s car when they were forcibly stopped at Kattubadipalem.
They carried out the attack on the car with sticks and stones, possibly assuming MLA Rajani was travelling in it. Mr Swamy and Mr Gopinath, who received simple injuries, managed to escape from the spot with the help of some people, but the car was totally damaged in the attack.
Speaking to the media, Mr Gopinath said that TD activists of Maddirala, Kammavaripalem and Kattubadivaripalem carried out the attack on them while they were returning from Kotappakonda. He alleged that it must have been a pre-planned attack on MLA Rajani, thinking she was travelling in the car. He alleged that more than 200 activists carried an attack on the car with sticks and stones but were saved due to help of some good people.
He further alleged that TD party workers had warned that they would not permit YSRC leaders to tour villages in Chilakaluripet segment.
The MLA lodged a complaint in the Chilakaluripet police station against TD supporters. The victims of the attack, including Gopinath, V. Kamalendra, Mallela Ramu, Bandla Srinivasa Rao and driver Ramu also lodged a complaint against nine persons at the same police station. They alleged that TD activists had tried to kill them but luckily they escaped.
Meanwhile, Ch Sri Ranganadha Raju, minister for housing, along with MLA Rajani, inspected the car for damages. Speaking to media, the minister said the government will not spare anybody for carrying deadly attacks on an MLA. He said that police will punish the attackers after a thorough investigation.
