Ibrahimpatnam Municipality chairman poll: BRS councilor Akula Yadagiri returns, stay vacated
Telangana High Court vacates stay on Ibrahimpatnam Municipality chairman poll BRS councilor Akula Yadagiri returns
By Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: Telangana High Court on Wednesday vacated the stay on the election to the Chairperson post of Ibrahimpatnam Municipality after a BRS councilor, Akula Yadagiri, whose alleged abduction had triggered a habeas corpus petition, was produced before the court.
A division bench comprising Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice Gadi Praveen Kumar closed the habeas corpus petition after police produced Akula Yadagiri in person and confirmed his safety.
With the immediate concern over his whereabouts resolved, the court held that there was no reason to continue the interim stay on the municipal election process.
Stay withdrawn after councillor’s production
The High Court had earlier stayed the Chairperson election until February 19, 2026, while hearing an urgent habeas corpus plea filed by Akula Harikanth, son of the councillor.
The petition alleged that Yadagiri, a BRS councillor and key contender for the Chairperson post, had been kidnapped hours before the scheduled election to prevent him from participating in the vote.
On Wednesday, law enforcement authorities complied with the court’s direction and produced Yadagiri before the Bench. After interacting with him and confirming that he was safe, the judges observed that the primary objective of a habeas corpus petition — securing the alleged detainee's presence before the court — had been met.
Allegations of political conspiracy
In his plea, Harikanth alleged that his father was abducted on February 16, 2026, ahead of the election for the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson posts. He claimed the act was orchestrated to influence the outcome of the leadership vote.
The petition named local officials and political rivals, including the Revenue Divisional Officer and Manchireddy Kishan Reddy, alleging their involvement in the incident. A complaint had earlier been lodged at the Ibrahimpatnam Police Station, leading to the registration of an FIR.
Election process to resume
With the councillor now accounted for and the habeas corpus petition disposed of, the High Court formally vacated the stay order, clearing the way for the municipal Chairperson election to proceed.
