Tensions have escalated in the Tummalgunta area of Tirupati following a controversial operation where more than 100 houses, belonging to impoverished locals, were demolished by the state police force. The incident occurred at 3 am amidst an ongoing legal dispute between the Hathiramji Mutt and the residents over 22 acres of land.
In the early hours of Wednesday, a significant deployment of revenue officers and police, along with JCBs, arrived at the site after cutting off the power supply. The demolition resulted in multiple injuries to women who tried to resist the operation. TDP leader Pulivarthi Nani, who came to support the affected locals, was put under house arrest, and other TDP leaders were barred from entering the area.
Sudha Reddy, wife of Pulivarthi Nani, criticized the lack of prior notice and questioned the involvement of YSPCP MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy. The TDP highlighted the unequal treatment, noting constructions on lands occupied by leaders of the ruling party. Sudha Reddy herself was detained by the police.
During the altercation, a woman resisting the demolition was injured and hospitalized. Locals accused Chevireddy of attempting to acquire the Mutt’s lands despite them having legitimate ownership.
The extensive destruction and loss of livelihoods once again raise concerns about Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and his MLA’s policies, which are perceived as anti-poor and inhumane.
The letter issued by the state govt. says “Nobody was residing in the temporary constructions at the time of the demolition”. Then how were five people injured? Isn’t it hypocrisy when the entire land possession nexus is run by Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy? The letter also says ‘There is every possibility of selling the entire land by the land Mafia…’. I want to ask what has Jagan government has done about land Mafia in the state?