Chittoor TDP legislator Gurajala Jagan Mohan has withdrawn his decision to surrender his gunmen following widespread criticism over the alleged assault on a woman resource person by his supporters and the subsequent events.
Background of the Incident
A middle-aged Dalit woman, identified as Kavitha, who works with the MEPMA wing of the Chittoor municipal corporation, was attacked by a group believed to be followers of Jagan Mohan. Following the assault, Chittoor district collector Sumit Kumar directed civic authorities to file a formal complaint and register a police case. The victim also contacted Chittoor MP Daggumalla Prasad Rao, who spoke to the district collector and SP Tushar Dudi, urging them to initiate legal action against the accused and ensure justice for the Dalit woman.
Legal Action and Political Repercussions
After a preliminary investigation, Chittoor I Town police booked several individuals involved in the attack under the SC-ST Atrocities Act on Friday. Jagan Mohan, reportedly unhappy with the cases filed against his followers, initially surrendered his two gunmen and directed them to report at the AR headquarters in Chittoor. However, following disapproval from party leadership over the sequence of events, the Chittoor legislator decided to reverse his decision.
Speaking to STOI, Jagan Mohan explained that he initially decided to surrender his gunmen due to a "minor issue" but changed his mind after the matter was "amicably resolved." The controversy highlights tensions surrounding the case and the political pressure faced by the MLA.
