Following outrage over Disha Rape case, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jaganmohan Reddy introduced the Andhra Pradesh Disha Bill in 2019 which provides for giving death sentence for rape and gang rape and fast tracking judgment in trials of such cases within 21 days. He received praise from all sections of the society for this prompt response. Today, a leader belonging to the YSR Congress Party was caught while attempting to rape in Hyderabad. What will Jagan do now?
Three men barged into the room of a hotel in Shamshabad occupied by a woman and attempted to rape her. This issue has become the hot topic in both the Telugu-speaking States. One of the perpetrators Purendar Kumar, from Nandyala, is an upcoming leader in the YSR Congress party, considered to be very close to legislator Silpa Ravi Chandra Kishore Reddy. He is contesting the Nandyala municipal elections from the 6th ward for the Councilor seat. Today, he was arrested by the Hyderabad Police for attempt to rape.
A test for Jagan’s honesty
Reliable sources have informed us that Purendar Kumar is a very close associate of MLA Silpa Ravi Chandra Kishore Reddy. It is obvious when one looks at the photographs of the two together which have now gone viral. There are also photographs of Purendar Kumar with YS Jagan. People are waiting to see how Jagan responds to this awkward situation where his own party man is in the dock.
The girl is a resident of Bengaluru who arrived in Hyderabad from Ukraine through a special flight as part of the Vande Bharat Mission. She is pursuing medicine in Kiev. Since she had to stop over for the night before proceeding to Bengaluru, she opted to stay over at a hotel in Shamshabad. The three culprits observed the girl to be alone. Heavily drunk, they knocked on the door. The girl opened the door assuming that it was the hotel staff. The trio barged in and began molesting the hapless girl who screamed for help. Fighting them off with all the energy she had, the girl managed to dial 100 and call the police who swiftly swung into action.
There is heavy criticism against the YSRCP from all quarters because they’ve been tight-lipped over the entire incident. Many are saying that suspension from the party will not suffice, and that, Jagan must showcase his sincerity by taking stern action against the molester and proving that his party men are not above the law.
Disha Act is for whom?
The Andhra Pradesh police have been very prompt to book many individuals for social media posts against the women leaders of YSRCP. Women leaders from Telugu Desam allege when they approached the police against vulgar comments and morphed images circulated by members of YSRCP, no complaints were filed, and even if filed, no action was taken. It remains to be seen if YSR Congress responds and sets a strong example for others.