HC orders security cover for Karne Sireesha till Telangana elections end

Hyderabad: On Friday, the Telangana High Court asked the State government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide security cover to Karne Sireesha alias Barrelakka till the conclusion of the Assembly Elections and the results are declared.

Justice CV Bhaskar Reddy was adjudicating a writ petition filed by Karne Sireesha, who is contesting in the ensuing Telangana State Assembly Elections as an independent candidate from Kollapur Assembly Constituency. She sought direction from the principal secretary home of Telangana, the chief election commissioner and the state election commission to provide her Security (2+2) gunmen in the wake of the recent attack on her by unknown persons while she was on her election campaign. Her brother is also said to have faced an attack in a separate incident.

Before lunch recess, the judge directed the government pleader (GP) for home to get instructions on the issue of providing security to her during election campaigning, which was opposed by the government. The counsel said that the state would make security arrangements during her rallies but ruled out providing personal security.

The judge brushed aside the contention of the GP for Home stating that she should be provided security keeping in view the recent attack on her and her brother by some assailants and also keeping in view that she is contesting the ensuing Assembly Elections as an independent candidate from Kollapur in Nagarkurnool district.

The judge made it clear to the GP for Home that if the State does not come forward to provide her with the security as requested by her, the judge will direct the ECI to provide a special officer, who will ensure her safety during the ensuing elections.