Malla Reddy Accuses IT Officials Of Beating His Son, Nephew

Minister for Labour Ch Malla Reddy today accused the officials of the income tax department of beating up his son Mahender Reddy and nephew Praveen Reddy in the name of searches.

Speaking to reporters at his hospital in Suraram on Wednesday, the minister that said his son Mahender Reddy had complained of chest pain and was admitted to the hospital due to the IT officials exerting pressure on him with blackmailing tactics.

Alleging that the union government was indulging in vendetta politics against TRS leaders, Malla Reddy said that he had been doing just philanthropic service by running educational institutions and hospitals, but was being targeted for even that.

"I am not doing any hawala or any blackmoney business. I am operating the educational institutions with a transparent manner and have never committed any fraud," Reddy said.

He also found fault with the IT department for behaving in an "unethical" way, claiming that his family members were now shivering because of the misbehaviour of the officials.

However, a video was reportedly circulating online showing the minister exhorting his supporters to chase away the raiding officials, and using profanities. (Supporters of Malla Reddy had arrived in large numbers at the minister's hospital in Suraram, and staged a protest against the raids.) The minister reportedly asked his supporters later to let the officials do their jobs.

Meanwhile, IT officials continued carrying out searches at the educational institutions and houses of the relatives of the minister in the city for the second consecutive day today.