Telangana Backward Classes Commission Investigates Attack on Family During Temple Festival
Hyderabad: In a significant development, Telangana Commission for Backward Classes chairman G Niranjan, accompanied by commission members, conducted a field visit to Kummera village in Nagarkurnool district on Tuesday. The visit focused on investigating the alleged attack on Ganesh and Monika, members of the Backward Classes community, which occurred during the Mallanna Jatara festival on February 19.
Commission Finds Administrative Negligence in Festival Arrangements
The investigative team, led by chairman Niranjan, concluded that there appeared to be substantial negligence on the part of multiple government departments. According to their preliminary findings, the district administration, local police, and endowment departments failed to make proper arrangements for the religious festival, creating conditions that led to the violent incident.
During their inquiry, the commission members met with district collector and superintendent of police officials to discuss the circumstances surrounding the attack. Assistant endowment commissioner Madan provided crucial information, revealing that local organizers had independently printed tickets and collected money without proper authorization from temple authorities.
Root Cause Identified as Ticket Collection Dispute
The commission's investigation uncovered that the violent altercation stemmed from a quarrel between the victims and festival organizers regarding entry fee collection. According to official statements, the temple had been properly registered with the endowment department under registration number B/1179/2018 since 2018. However, due to resistance from locally dominant individuals, endowment department officials had shown little interest in overseeing arrangements for the Mallanna Jatara.
"The temple was legally registered, but local interference prevented proper departmental oversight of the festival arrangements," stated a press release from the BC Commission's office, highlighting the systemic failure that contributed to the incident.
Commission Demands Immediate Action and Reports
Following their detailed discussions with the victims and examination of the incident site, where the commission members offered floral tributes at the burial location of the family's baby, chairman Niranjan issued strict directives to concerned officials. The district collector, superintendent of police, and endowment officials have been instructed to submit comprehensive reports on the incident within three days.
"Based on these reports and our on-the-spot inquiry findings, the BC Commission will formally write to the government recommending appropriate action," chairman Niranjan told media representatives, emphasizing the commission's commitment to ensuring justice for the affected family.
Government Assures Support and Action
In related developments, BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar confirmed that he had personally spoken with the Director General of Police, urging stringent action against those responsible for the attack. The minister further revealed that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has assured complete government support for the victim's family.
"Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has made it clear that the state government stands firmly with the victim's family and will implement all necessary measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents," minister Prabhakar added, underscoring the administration's commitment to community safety and justice.
The commission's investigation marks a crucial step in addressing systemic issues affecting religious festival management and protecting vulnerable communities during public celebrations across Telangana.
