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A case of assault on a woman in Guntur has sparked widespread public outrage, drawing political reactions from the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and sharp criticism from the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). After CCTV footage of the incident surfaced, police took swift action and initiated disciplinary proceedings against a police officer.
The incident occurred on July 15 in Krishna Babu Colony under Nagarampalem police station area . According to police and local sources, the dispute allegedly began, after TDP ward secretary Mallela Venkata Ramana Murthy demanded money from a family after they sought permission to drill a borewell, as their earlier bore was reportedly removed during drainage extension works undertaken by the Guntur Municipal Corporation. The disagreement later escalated into violence.
Absolutely shocked and outraged by the horrific incident in Guntur. Anyone who thinks political connections or party affiliation can protect them is gravely mistaken.
Hon’ble CM @ncbn garu has ordered immediate strict action. A criminal case has been registered, the accused has…
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) July 18, 2026
Police said a 46-year-old woman alleged that she was assaulted on a public road and that, Thammisetti Venkatesh alias Madhavi, along with other accused persons allegedly pulled off her clothes during the attack. A First Information Report was registered on July 16 based on the victim’s complaint. Guntur Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal said all accused, including Murthy, his wife Sampurna, Madhavi and others, were arrested on July 17 and produced before a court on July 18. The case has been booked under Sections 331(6), 79, 115(2) and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A total of nine persons named as accused in this case.
The controversy intensified after CCTV footage of the incident went viral on Saturday, drawing condemnation from political leaders and civil society. The TDP suspended Murthy from the party following the allegations.
In a parallel development, the Guntur district police ordered departmental action against Nagarampalem Circle Inspector Y. Satyanarayana after a preliminary inquiry found lapses in responding promptly to the victim’s complaint. SP Vakul Jindal said negligence in cases involving crimes against women would not be tolerated and instructed police personnel to handle every complaint with sensitivity and initiate legal action without delay.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu termed the incident “deeply disturbing,” asserting that humiliation of any woman was unacceptable and assuring that no one would receive protection because of political affiliation. IT Minister Nara Lokesh and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha also condemned the incident, reiterating the government’s “zero tolerance” policy towards crimes against women and directing strict legal action against both the accused and officials found negligent.
I am deeply disturbed by the incident reported from Guntur. The humiliation of any woman is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society.
I have ordered immediate and stringent action. A criminal case has been registered, the accused has been arrested, and the party…
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) July 18, 2026
Local TDP MLA Galla Madhavi said that she will extend all possible support to the victim’s family members and assured that police have initiated prompt legal action on it.
Meanwhile, the YSRCP alleged that Murthy was a close associate of local TDP MLA Galla Madhavi and accused the ruling party of initially attempting to shield those involved. The opposition also alleged that police failed to act when the victim first approached them and questioned the government’s commitment to women’s safety.
The ruling party has rejected allegations of political protection, pointing to the arrests, suspension of the party functionary, and disciplinary proceedings against the police officer as evidence that action was taken irrespective of political affiliation.
Published – July 18, 2026 02:19 pm IST
