KTR cites NHRC report on rights violations in Lagacherla, demands CM Revanth apologise to Dalit, tribal groups

Hyderabad: In a scathing condemnation of police excesses in Lagacherla, BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) demanded chief minister A Revanth Reddy’s public apology and the immediate dismissal of police officers involved in the sexual harassment and human rights violations against Dalit and tribal women.

The demand comes in the wake of a damning report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which confirmed the systemic abuse and molestation of women during a controversial land acquisition drive in the village.

‘Barbaric behaviour,’ says NHRC report

Speaking to the media here on Tuesday after meeting the victims in Hyderabad’s Nandinagar, KTR said the NHRC’s findings laid bare the ‘barbaric behaviour’ of police personnel, who he accused of acting as a ‘private army’ for CM Revanth Reddy. “Police officers treated young tribal girls inhumanely, crossing all boundaries of decency. These are atrocities not just against individuals, but against the very idea of justice,” he stated.

The NHRC, led by a retired Supreme Court judge, validated the victims’ allegations after field visits and directed the State government to act against the guilty within six weeks. It found that police subjected tribal men and women to third-degree torture, threats and beatings, including inside police stations where CCTV cameras were allegedly non-functional.

NHRC report details torture

KTR recounted harrowing testimonies—one girl told the NHRC she and her mother-in-law were sexually harassed, while another was beaten on her thigh. He accused the government of continuing covert operations in Lagacherla despite a High Court stay, and of facilitating land grabs for a pharmaceutical company reportedly linked to the chief minister’s family.

“This report is a slap in the face of CM Revanth Reddy’s administration,” KTR declared.

“If he has any dignity left, he should apologise to the Dalit and tribal communities, and step down as chief minister.” KTR also warned that the BRS would take the matter to the Supreme Court if the government fails to act. “Whether they retire or go underground, the officers who acted like beasts will be held accountable once we return to power. Lagacherla is not forgotten, and justice will be done.”