The recent incident in Tenali, where three Dalit and minority youth were allegedly beaten by police with lathis, has ignited a nationwide debate, drawing sharp criticism and raising serious questions about governance, law enforcement, and civil liberties in the state. This incident, initially brought to light by a video circulated by some police personnel themselves, has since escalated into a political firestorm, exposing deep-seated issues within the administrative and judicial frameworks.
Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath
The core of the controversy lies in the alleged public thrashing of three young men by police.
Victims are - Chebrolu John Victor (25 years, Mala-SC-Junior Advocate, Tenali Town), Sheikh Babulal @ Karimullah @ Kalla (21 years-Muslim-Mangalagiri), Doma Rakesh (25 years-Mala-SC-Tenali Town). Rakesh works as a Zomato delivery boy in Hyderabad. He came to Tenali for an adjournment in an old case.
Responsible police officers are- Police Constable Kanna Chiranjeevi (Tenali 3 Town Police Station), he is accused of filing false cases against the youth. Tenali 2 Town CI Ramula Nayak & Tenali 3 Town CI Ramesh Babu. Both are allegedly involved in “beating incident”!.
Main Details of the Incident
Three victims were detained on April 25, 2025. Police paraded the victims - John Victor, Rakesh and Babulal, made them sit on the road and beat them indiscriminately on the soles of their feet with sticks. The victims alleged that police constable Kanna Chiranjeevi had asked them for money and threatened to file illegal cases if they did not give it. A case was registered against the youths as Cr.No: 52/2025 and it is learnt that they were illegally detained and tortured for three days.
Local people are condemning this violence and demanding justice. This incident was committed against Dalit and minority youths, which is considered a sensitive social issue. The High Court has previously condemned the police's overzealousness and expressed outrage over the illegal actions. Many are criticizing the police for making false claims regarding this incident and calling it evidence of the distorted nature of the police system.
The delayed emergence of the video in the social media sparked outrage among political parties and public organizations. The narrative presented suggests a blatant disregard for due process, with the police allegedly resorting to "savage methods" of punishment rather than following legal procedures.
Political Allegations of Authoritarianism
The incident has quickly become a focal point for political blame games. Opposition YSRCP legal cell filed a complaint with the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission).The NHRC is also likely to register a case suo moto in this incident. YSRCP chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has squarely blamed the "TDP-led coalition government's oppressive policies" for such incidents. The assertion that "Red Book" governance under the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is leading to such atrocities paints a picture of a regime that allegedly disregards constitutional norms.
He has made serious allegations about the incident. He alleged that the police brutally attacked the youths, provided them with certificates from doctors stating that there were no injuries, and opened rowdy sheets after the incident and spread false propaganda. He demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and strict action against the guilty policemen.
The comparison of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's administration to the dictatorial rule of Mussolini in world history, while a strong rhetorical device, reflects the depth of concern and alarm among critics regarding the state of democratic freedoms and governance in Andhra Pradesh. Such comparisons, though hyperbolic, serve to highlight allegations of authoritarian tendencies and a crackdown on dissent.
TDP in the Defence Mode
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is fully supporting this incident. The essence of the arguments of the ruling party leaders is that the “police should act very strictly in this way so that the society is afraid of criminals”. And if the party is supporting it, then the Pro-TDP mainstream media and social media groups are also supporting the police. On the other hand, the TDP is strongly opposed to YS Jagan Mohan Reddy visiting the family members of the victims who visited Tenali. It has criticized YS Jagan for standing by the criminals. There are arguments going on between the two parties.
Meanwhile, the ruling party, realizing the negative public perception, is reportedly making "desperate attempts" to brand the youth (victims) as criminals. This effort is reportedly supported by TDP-friendly media, which has labelled the youth as a "ganja batch." Furthermore, allegations suggest that the police quickly opened "rowdy sheets" against the youth in an attempt to cover up their actions.
This raises a critical question: if the youth were indeed criminals, why weren't proper legal channels – investigation, production in court, and conviction – followed? The public sentiment, as articulated, strongly condemns such "public punishments" as antithetical to democratic values.
Legal and Constitutional Angles
This incident flagrantly violates several fundamental principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution and various legal provisions.
Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21): This article guarantees that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. The alleged public beating by the police, without any due process, directly infringes upon this fundamental right.
Protection against Self-Incrimination and Arbitrary Arrest (Articles 20 & 22): The immediate opening of "rowdy sheets" and the media branding of the youth as criminals without a fair trial suggest a pre-judgement that undermines the presumption of innocence. Article 20(3) protects against self-incrimination, and Article 22 outlines safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention, including the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest and to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours. The reported actions of the police appear to bypass these crucial safeguards.
Rule of Law: The very essence of a democratic society is the rule of law, where everyone, including law enforcement agencies, is bound by the law. The police, as guardians of the law, cannot become its violators. Their role is to investigate, gather evidence, and present it before a court of law, which alone has the power to adjudicate guilt and impose punishment. The alleged acts of the Tenali police represent a severe breach of this fundamental principle.
Separation of Powers: The incident highlights a dangerous blurring of lines between the executive (police) and the judiciary. The Constitution clearly separates these powers, with the judiciary solely responsible for dispensing justice and determining guilt. When the police assume the role of judge, jury, and executioner, it undermines the entire justice system.
Analytical Conclusion
Tenali incident is not merely a localized law and order problem; it is a symptom of deeper systemic issues. It highlights the urgent need for police reform, stricter adherence to constitutional principles, and robust mechanisms for accountability. The allegations of police brutality, political interference in branding victims as criminals, and the erosion of due process call for an independent and thorough investigation.
The role of the media, too, comes under scrutiny, with accusations of biased reporting. In a democratic society, the media is expected to be a watchdog, not a tool for political narratives.
Ultimately, the incident in Tenali serves as a stark reminder that the protection of civil liberties and the upholding of the rule of law are paramount. Any deviation from these principles, regardless of the alleged character of the individuals involved, is a direct assault on the foundational values of a democratic nation. The response of the state machinery to this controversy will be a critical test of its commitment to constitutionalism and human rights.
