Election squad raids ex-MLA Marri Janardhan Reddy’s house in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Election officials and police on Friday conducted surprise raids at the residences of two senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders — former MLA Marri Janardhan Reddy and MLC Takkellapalli Ravinder Rao — triggering strong protests from the party, which alleged political vendetta by the ruling dispensation.
Raids at Janardhan Reddy’s residence
Early on Friday, an election flying squad, accompanied by central security forces, searched Reddy’s house in Mothinagar following information about alleged storage of unaccounted cash. Officials examined documents and personal items as part of the inspection. No major seizures were reported till late evening.
MLC questions legality of raid
In a separate operation, police teams inspected the Kukatpally residence of BRS MLC Takkellapalli Ravinder Rao, located in BSP Colony. The MLC, who is the party in-charge for Rahmathnagar, objected to the action, arguing that his home lies outside the poll-notified area.
“There is no election code in force in my area. How can the police enter my house without proper authority?” he asked, calling the move “unwarranted and politically motivated.” The searches led to tense moments, with several BRS workers gathering at the spot.
Authorities enforce poll code strictly
Election officials maintained that all inspections are being carried out under the Election Commission’s guidelines to ensure fair polling in the Jubilee Hills constituency on November 11. Flying and static surveillance teams have been conducting intensive checks across Hyderabad, seizing unaccounted cash and verifying compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.
The BRS has said it will approach the Election Commission of India, alleging selective enforcement and misuse of official machinery to intimidate opposition leaders.
