BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy Issues Apology After Controversial Remark Against Police Commissioner
In a significant development, Huzurabad BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy tendered an apology on Friday evening, following a major controversy over an objectionable remark he allegedly made against Karimnagar police commissioner Ghaus Alam. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and legal action.
Background of the Incident
The controversy stems from an altercation that occurred on Thursday when Kaushik Reddy, along with his family members and several supporters, was stopped by the police at Parkala X Road. They were en route to the Mini Medaram religious festival at Veenavanka village in the Huzurabad constituency. According to police reports, only the BRS MLA and his immediate family were permitted to proceed, but Kaushik insisted that his supporters be allowed to accompany him.
Objecting to this restriction, the MLA, his wife, daughter, and their supporters staged a protest by sitting on the road. When police intervened to clear the road, Kaushik reportedly took serious objection and engaged in a heated argument with the officers, obstructing them from performing their duties. During this confrontation, he allegedly made an objectionable remark against Police Commissioner Ghaus Alam, which included references to his religion.
Preventive Measures and Custody
Anticipating potential trouble, Paddi Udaynanda Reddy, on whose family land the religious event was scheduled, had submitted a petition to the police and other district officials a few days earlier. The petition sought preventive action to avoid any law and order issues during the 50th year of the Mini Medaram Jatara at Veenavanka.
Further complicating matters, the police objected to Kaushik's presence on the land and his intention to break a coconut to inaugurate the event, stating that this violated traditional practices. Consequently, the police took the MLA and his family members into custody to prevent any escalation.
Viral Video and IPS Association's Response
On Friday, a video of Kaushik Reddy making the objectionable comments against the police commissioner and the police went viral on social media, amplifying the controversy. In response, the Telangana IPS Officers' Association issued a strong statement expressing deep disturbance over the incident.
The Association stated, "The IPS Association is deeply disturbed by the cheap insinuations made regarding a serving officer's religion, wherein it was falsely alleged that he was attempting religious conversions. The Association views this episode as a serious attack on the morale, independence, and dignity of the civil services. The Association hereby demands an immediate, unconditional public apology from Padi Kaushik Reddy."
Legal Action and Apology
In the wake of the controversy, the police have registered a criminal case against the MLA for his alleged remarks and actions. Facing mounting pressure from the IPS Association and public outcry, Kaushik Reddy subsequently issued a public apology on Friday evening.
This incident highlights the tensions between political figures and law enforcement agencies in Telangana, underscoring the importance of maintaining decorum and respect for public servants. The apology marks a step towards de-escalation, but the legal proceedings and broader implications for political conduct remain to be seen.
