NEW DELHI: Former BRS MLA Patnam Narender Reddy was detained on Wednesday in connection with an attack on district officials in Telangana's Vikarabad district during a public hearing on land acquisition, police reported.
Sixteen people have been arrested for allegedly assaulting authorities after some villagers in Lagacharla village protested against the proposed acquisition of their lands for pharmaceutical companies.
During the protest on Monday, the crowd reportedly jostled Vikarabad district collector Prateek Jain and threw stones at his and other officials’ vehicles.
The altercation injured three officials, including an additional collector, the chairman of the Kodangal Area Development Authority (KADA) and a DSP-ranked police officer.
The incident took place during a public hearing led by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) on land acquisition.
A BRS youth wing leader, accused of inciting the 'pre-planned' attack, is currently evading authorities.
Three FIRs have been registered, and internet services have been suspended in Dudyala mandal as a precaution.
Reddy had previously contested, though unsuccessfully, against Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy for the Kodangal assembly constituency in Vikarabad.
The TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicat...
Read MoreThe TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicated to bringing you the pulse of cities from across the nation, all day and all night. Our mission is to curate, report, and deliver city news that matters to readers of The Times of India. With a keen focus on urban life, governance, culture, and local issues, we provide a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving cityscapes. Our team works tirelessly to keep readers informed about the latest developments, ensuring that they are connected to the heartbeat of cities across India, right when it happens. The TOI City Desk is a trusted source for staying in touch with the local stories that shape your world.
Read Less