Hyderabad, Sep 18: Tensions between the ruling Congress government and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) escalated on Friday after Telangana Police arrested BRS social media convenor Manne Krishank in connection with a social media post.
A large police contingent reportedly reached Krishank’s residence in Hyderabad at around 5 a.m. on September 18. Videos circulating on social media showed police personnel breaking open the locks of the outer gate and entering the premises. According to reports, officers were seen using a hammer while BRS workers and members of the party’s legal cell questioned the police action.
The case is reportedly linked to a post by Krishank questioning an alleged incident involving masked men and the aides of BRS working president K T Rama Rao at the Saifabad police station. The incident itself has become a point of political and legal contention, with the Telangana High Court directing authorities to preserve CCTV footage from the police station in connection with the allegations.
Police took Krishank to the Central Crime Station for questioning. BRS leaders, however, alleged that the police entered his house without properly serving notice and objected to the manner and timing of the action. Krishank had reportedly questioned why a large police force was required to visit his residence at such an early hour merely to serve a notice.
The arrest also triggered a political response from BRS leaders. K T Rama Rao alleged that the police action was intended to intimidate the opposition and raised concerns over the impact of the incident on Krishank’s family. He said Krishank’s young daughter was frightened during the incident and missed an examination. Rama Rao also questioned the arrest of an opposition leader over a social media post criticising the government. The matter later reached the Nampally court, where the police request for remand was reportedly rejected.
