Nellore TDP worker allegedly set afire in land dispute dies at Chennai hospital

Tirupati: Chimmili Srinivasulu, a resident of Kondapur mandal in Nellore district, who was a TDP activist for nearly three decades, who was allegedly set afire in connection with a land dispute, died at a Chennai hospital. Moments before his death, Srinivasulu recorded and released a selfie video, explaining the manner in which he was harassed by a group of ruling party leaders, leading to the immolation attack on him.In the video, Srinivasulu stated that he legally purchased six cents of land in 2019 through proper registration and constructed a house along with two shops after obtaining all necessary permissions.He further explained that the construction was undertaken only after a local settlement was held in the presence of the then MLA. However, Srinivasulu alleged that during the construction phase, a TDP mandal convener demanded and took Rs 40,000 from him.Upon learning about this, the village sarpanch, Baddipudi Macharla, allegedly pressured him for money as well. Srinivasulu claimed that when he refused, the sarpanch threatened him with dire consequences.In his statement, Srinivasulu expressed anguish that an Ambedkar statue was illegally installed in front of his shops at around 1 am on April 1 when he was in Hyderabad. After returning, he lodged a complaint with district police officials.During the inquiry, when questioned about permissions, the sarpanch reportedly admitted to police that no approvals were obtained and justified the act by citing his position.Srinivasulu also stated that he brought the matter to the attention of Udayagiri MLA Kakarla Suresh, but received no response.Recounting the incident on the April 13, he alleged that when he tried to stop the sarpanch and his associates from cleaning the statue area, he brought a can of petrol only to scare them. However, he claimed that they poured the petrol on him and set him on fire.The declaration has created a stir among the ruling party circles in Udayagiri and across Nellore district. Kondapuram police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.