Jogulamba Gadwal: In a controversial incident, 12 farmers were brought to the Alampur Second Class Magistrate Court today in shackles by police, sparking widespread condemnation. These farmers were detained after participating in a protest on June 4th against an ethanol plant in Peddadhanwada village, Rajoli mandal.
The protest saw many villagers voicing concerns over the ethanol plant’s impact on the environment and their livelihoods. After a 14-day remand, the farmers’ shackling in court led to public outrage and criticism from opposition parties and rights groups.
During a press conference in Gadwal, leaders from the All-Party Committee labeled the police’s actions as inhumane and unconstitutional. They reminded that the High Court had previously criticized similar police behavior in Lagadcherla, yet such tactics continue under the current administration.
Civil rights activists questioned if Nadigadda is now under police rule. They also criticized the police for blocking committee members from visiting affected villages last week. Today, leaders from the State Civil Rights Association were reportedly detained in Erravalli and held at the Itikyala Police Station, which they condemned as a violation of democratic rights.
The committee accused the police of deliberately restricting access to villages to intimidate residents and support the ethanol factory’s construction without resistance. This, they argued, shows a clear preference for private industry over citizen rights.
The committee demanded that the government stop these practices and uphold democratic values. They emphasized that shackling farmers, who are defending their land and livelihoods, reflects past undemocratic actions and should not occur again.
Leaders addressing the media included Nager Doddi Venkata Ramulu (BRS), Mohan Rao (Senior Citizens Forum), Shankar Prabhakar (TPF), Anjaneyulu (CPI), Kuruvapallayya (TRSV), Gopal Yadav (Farmers’ Association), Upper Narasimha (CPM), Valmiki Vinod Kumar (Bahujan Rajya Samithi), Tower Mabbul (TRS), Mahesh (Civil Rights Association), Sadhatulla Krishna (Social Activist), and others from various organizations and parties.
The leaders called for the state government’s accountability and urged the administration to prevent future human rights violations in a democratic society.
