TDP leader commits suicide in Andhra’s Srikakulam, opposition alleges harassment by ruling YSRCP
India Today
Kona Venkata Rao, a Telugu Desam Party leader in Andhra’s Srikakulam district, committed suicide by consuming poison. His wife alleged that he was harassed by a local member of the ruling YSRCP and the police.
A local Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader, Kona Venkata Rao, consumed poison and killed himself after alleging that he was harassed by the local Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and the local police. He died on Tuesday, March 8, while the family was shifting him to Palasa Government Hospital from Pothangi village.
The incident took place in Pothangi village under Mandasa Mandal of Srikakulam district. Rao’s wife, Krishnaveni, and relatives alleged that the police were harassing him after he made a certain post on social media, questioning the ruling party.
Upon learning about the suicide, police, along with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shivarami Reddy reached Palasa Government Hospital and inquired about the incident with the deceased leader’s wife.
Soon, several TDP leaders reached the hospital and argued with the DSP, alleging that the police had a role in his death. Party chief Chandrababu Naidu also reacted to the death of his party leader and extended condolences.
He alleged that the police were harassing the party leader at the behest of local YSRCP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Duvvada Srinivas.
Chandrababu Naidu tweeted, "Kona Venkatrao Mummatiki, a Telugudesam activist from Pothangi village, Mandasa Mandal, Srikakulam district, was murdered by the government. Tortured to death for questioning on social media."
