Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former MLA Balka Suman was arrested by Nampally Police on Saturday amid high drama at Telangana Bhavan in Hyderabad. The arrest followed the registration of multiple non-bailable cases against him over his recent controversial remarks related to protests and Singareni issues.
Speculation regarding Suman’s arrest had been circulating since morning, leading to heightened tension at the BRS headquarters. While initially denying reports of his impending arrest and asserting that he was actively involved in party activities, the former MLA was eventually taken into custody after police personnel surrounded Telangana Bhavan.
A brief standoff ensued as BRS workers and leaders attempted to prevent police from entering the premises, raising slogans against the police action. Despite resistance from party supporters and legal representatives, police proceeded with the operation in accordance with legal procedures.
Arrest Over Remarks on Agitations
According to police sources, the action was triggered by remarks allegedly made by Balka Suman during a recent public address. He had reportedly called upon BRS leaders to intensify protests against government policies and urged them to adopt aggressive forms of agitation over issues concerning the Singareni Collieries.
Complaints were subsequently lodged with police, alleging that the statements amounted to incitement and could potentially disturb public order. Based on these complaints, Nampally Police registered multiple cases under serious non-bailable provisions of law.
No Prior Notice Required: Police
Abids ACP stated that the offences registered against Suman are non-bailable in nature, eliminating the requirement for prior notice before arrest. Officials maintained that the arrest was carried out strictly in accordance with legal provisions.
After addressing the media outside Telangana Bhavan, Suman was taken into custody and shifted to the Nampally Court for further legal proceedings.
Suman Alleges Political Vendetta
Before his arrest, Balka Suman strongly criticized the Congress government and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, alleging that the cases were politically motivated. He claimed that he was being targeted for raising issues related to public welfare and the employment concerns of Singareni workers’ families.
The BRS leader accused the state government of attempting to suppress opposition voices and alleged that public issues were being ignored in favor of political vendetta. He also raised concerns about alleged irregularities in Singareni and vowed to continue questioning the government on matters affecting the public.
Vows Legal Fight
Suman stated that he respects the Constitution and legal institutions and would cooperate with law enforcement authorities. At the same time, he announced that he would challenge the cases and his arrest through the judicial process.
Recalling his participation in the Telangana statehood movement, he alleged that he had previously faced numerous cases and imprisonment during earlier Congress administrations. He asserted that he would continue to remain active in public life and raise issues concerning the people irrespective of political circumstances.