HC Pulls Up Police In Narender Reddy's Arrest Case

The Telangana High Court today criticized the police for their handling of the arrest of former Kodangal MLA Patnam Narender Reddy.

Reddy had filed a petition challenging his arrest and subsequent remand in connection with the violent incidents at Lagacharla village.

During the hearing, the court questioned the rationale behind his arrest, asking, "Why was he arrested while on a morning walk at KBR Park? Why was he treated like a terrorist? Was Narender Reddy on the run?"

The court also noted discrepancies in the reporting of the injuries sustained by police officers during the incident, saying that they were recorded as minor injuries.

It also expressed displeasure at the police's failure to adhere to Supreme Court guidelines for arrests.

The Public Prosecutor (PP) argued that Reddy had made provocative statements, which incited public unrest. The PP further contended that allowing the petition at this stage would hinder the investigation, and requested the court to dismiss Reddy's plea seeking to quash the remand order.

The controversy stems from the government's decision to establish an industrial corridor on 1,350 acres of land in Lagacharla and Polepalli villages, in Vikarabad district. A gram sabha and a referendum were announced as part of this initiative. During the process, several farmers and BRS leaders were accused of assaulting the Vikarabad district Collector and officials, leading to the police registering cases against them.

Reddy was arrested while he was on a morning walk at KBR Park, for his alleged role in the incident. He was produced in court and remanded to 14-day judicial custody. He challenged the remand order in the High Court.