Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy arrested, faces 14 days remand

During the general elections, Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, a candidate from YSRCP, allegedly vandalized an EVM at the Palvaigate polling station and attacked a TDP agent who attempted to intervene. Subsequently, there were attempts to assault another woman outside the polling station. The day after polling ended, Ramakrishna Reddy and his supporters reportedly engaged in vandalism in Karampudi and assaulted the CI who tried to intervene. Cases have been filed against Ramakrishna Reddy’s brothers and followers in connection with these incidents.

Despite obtaining interim relief from the High Court, which prevented his arrest for the past few days, Ramakrishna Reddy’s protection was extended three times. However, on Wednesday, the High Court rejected his plea for anticipatory bail after the protection expired. Following this, Ramakrishna Reddy, who resided at a villa in Ravipadu under Narasaraopeta mandal, was arrested by police and taken to Macherla court under tight security. After hearing arguments, the judge remanded him for attacking TDP agent Seshagiri Rao and assaulting the Karampudi CI at Palvaigate polling station.

In response to Ramakrishna Reddy’s arrest and transfer to Macherla, police have heightened security measures to prevent any untoward incidents. Telugu Desam leaders in Machilipatnam celebrated his arrest by setting off fireworks, while a large number of Telugu Desam activists gathered at the court, chanting slogans against Ramakrishna Reddy. As Ramakrishna Reddy was being transported to court in a police vehicle, he reportedly punched a Telugu Desam activist who confronted him, striking him forcefully in the stomach.