Telangana Jagruthi Leader Kavitha Detained in Khammam Amid Hunger Strike Over Demolitions
In a significant development, Kalvakuntla Kavitha, the president of Telangana Jagruthi, along with numerous supporters, was detained by police on Tuesday while conducting a hunger strike in Khammam district. The protest was organized to highlight the alleged demolition of houses in Velugumatla village, a contentious issue that has sparked widespread political debate and public outcry.
Escalation of Protests and Police Intervention
Police authorities took Kavitha and other participants into custody from Ambedkar Bhavan in Khammam, subsequently transferring them to Hyderabad. This action followed a series of escalating events that began on Monday when Kavitha visited Velugumatla village to express solidarity with families affected by an eviction drive in February. After meeting with displaced residents, she initiated a sit-in protest near the statue of B R Ambedkar at the ZP Centre in Khammam city, demanding justice for those who lost their homes.
During the protest, Kavitha was joined by Visharadhan Maharaj and other supporters, amplifying the call for accountability. However, police intervened, citing that the demonstration was conducted without prior permission, leading to the detention of all participants. The protesters were later released after being served notices under Section 41 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), but the situation quickly intensified.
Indefinite Hunger Strike and Political Accusations
Later that night, Kavitha returned to Ambedkar Bhavan and launched an indefinite hunger strike, this time alongside residents displaced from Velugumatla. This move marked a significant escalation in the agitation against what she described as "illegal demolitions". In statements to reporters, Kavitha accused the Congress government in Telangana of bulldozing the homes of impoverished families in Khammam, alleging that the affected individuals had been relocated to substandard shelters and that district officials had ignored their demands.
Background of the Controversy
The core of the controversy revolves around the demolition of several houses in the Vinoba Nagar area of Velugumatla village, situated on the outskirts of Khammam city, which occurred in late February 2026. This action reportedly displaced hundreds of families, triggering ongoing protests and sharp criticism from opposition groups, including Telangana Jagruthi and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The incident has become a focal point for discussions on urban governance, housing rights, and political accountability in the region.
As tensions continue to rise, the detention of Kavitha and her supporters underscores the deepening conflict between activists and authorities over land use and displacement issues. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for local politics and social justice movements in Telangana.
