Former Councillor attacks residents at Manikonda’s Venkateshwara Colony meeting
Manikonda: A general body meeting of the Venkateshwara colony in Manikonda turned violent when former councillor Padma Rao allegedly attacked residents on Saturday. The incident occurred after tensions arose over social media messages between two warring groups.
Venkateshwara Colony Society was formed in the 2000s and has been conducting the General Body meeting every year. Like every year, a prominent person from the community is invited to discuss the progress of the area. Likewise, former councillor Padma Rao was invited to talk about the developmental issues of the neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, another society was recently formed by ten members. “Before the meeting, some members of the other group had allegedly abused the former councillor in their exclusive social media group. In a separate group, a person named Deepak reportedly messaged about a potential attack on the councillor,” said a representative from Venkateshwara Colony to HyderabadMail.
Altercation erupts over abusive messages in whatsapp group
As scheduled, Padma Rao arrived at the meeting with supporters to discuss civic development on Saturday. According to accounts from the scene, Rao allegedly ‘went on a rampage’ during the gathering.
In a heated altercation with the group in which Rao was abused, the former councillor reportedly came down from the stage while cursing and attacking attendees. In the melee, chairs were flung and fist blows were traded, Padma Rao, along with approximately ten followers, allegedly rained down punches on those present. A resident from the separate group, Raj Kumar, was specifically targeted and seriously injured, including being struck on the head with a bracelet. Some followers were reported to have brought sticks to the meeting.
Police are investigating the incident, and no official statements have been released regarding the case or charges.
