Kamareddy row over govt land sparks clashes, detentions

Hyderabad: Tension gripped Kamareddy town on Saturday after a political face-off between govt advisor Shabbir Ali and Kamareddy BJP MLA Venkata Ramana Reddy over alleged irregularities involving govt land. Supporters of the Congress and BJP gathered near Shishu Mandir School, prompting heavy police deployment to avert law and order problems.The dispute centres on lands linked to the Govt Degree College, Shishu Mandir School and Aurora College, with Congress leaders accusing the BJP MLA and his family of wrongdoing. Rejecting the charges, Venkata Ramana Reddy said he was ready for an open debate with documentary proof and challenged rivals to substantiate their claims, asserting that the public deserved clarity.
Both sides initially agreed to a public discussion at Shishu Mandir. Anticipating unrest, police imposed restrictions and deployed forces at sensitive points, including the MLA's camp office. As tensions mounted, the MLA was placed under house arrest from the morning, and security was tightened around his residence.Congress leaders maintained they had evidence and accepted the debate challenge. Several activists attempted to reach Shishu Mandir and the MLA's office, but police detained those gathering at restricted locations and shifted them to police station. Officials said scores of Congress workers were taken into preventive custody.Despite curbs, a group of Congress activists reached the MLA's camp office and raised slogans. BJP workers also arrived, triggering a brief clash.During the commotion, Congress leader Gireddy Mahender Reddy's car was damaged and toppled before police intervened and restored order.Kamareddy district SP M Rajesh Chandra said Mahender Reddy of Posanipet was arrested for allegedly driving a car at high speed towards the MLA's office and ignoring instructions to stop. He was remanded to judicial custody.Later, the MLA said he would resign if corruption charges were proved and alleged political targeting by Shabbir Ali, challenging him to prove wrongdoing in the 263-acre college land issue.BJP state president N Ramchander Rao condemned the alleged attack and said he would visit. Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender was also stopped by police and placed under house arrest while attempting to travel to Kamareddy to meet the BJP MLA. Officials said preventive measures remain in force.