A case of assault on a woman in Guntur has sparked widespread public outrage, drawing political reactions from the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and sharp criticism from the Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). After CCTV footage of the incident surfaced, police took swift action and initiated disciplinary proceedings against a police officer.

The incident occurred on July 15, 2026, in Krishna Babu Colony, within the limits of the Nagarampalem police station. According to police and local sources, the dispute allegedly began when TDP ward secretary Mallela Venkata Ramana Murthy demanded money from a family after they sought permission to drill a borewell, as their previous bore was reportedly removed during drainage extension works undertaken by the Guntur Municipal Corporation. The disagreement later escalated into violence.

Police said a 46-year-old woman alleged that she was assaulted on a public road and thatThammisetti Venkatesh alias Madhavi, along with other accused individuals, allegedly pulled off her clothes during the attack.

A First Information Report was registered on July 16 based on the victim’s complaint. Guntur Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal stated that all the accused, including Mr. Murthy, his wife Sampurna, Madhavi, and others, were arrested on July 17 and produced before a court on July 18. The case has been booked under Sections 331(6), 79, 115(2), and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A total of nine persons have been named as accused in this case.

The controversy intensified after CCTV footage of the incident went viral on Saturday (July 18, 2026), drawing condemnation from political leaders and civil society. The TDP suspended Mr. Murthy from the party following the allegations.

In a parallel development, the Guntur district police ordered departmental action against Nagarampalem Circle Inspector Y. Satyanarayana after a preliminary inquiry found lapses in responding promptly to the victim's complaint. SP Vakul Jindal said negligence in cases involving crimes against women would not be tolerated and instructed police personnel to handle every complaint with sensitivity and initiate legal action without delay.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu termed the incident “deeply disturbing,” asserting that the humiliation of any woman is unacceptable. He assured that no one would receive protection because of political affiliation. IT Minister Nara Lokesh and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha also condemned the incident, reiterating the government’s “zero tolerance” policy towards crimes against women and directing strict legal action against both the accused and any officials found negligent.

Local TDP MLA Galla Madhavi said that she will extend all possible support to the victim's family members and assured that police have initiated prompt legal action on it.

Meanwhile, the YSRCP alleged that Mr. Murthy was a close associate of local TDP MLA Galla Madhavi and accused the ruling party of initially attempting to shield those involved. The Opposition also alleged that police failed to act when the victim first approached them and questioned the government's commitment to women's safety.

The ruling party has rejected allegations of political protection, pointing to the arrests, the suspension of a party functionary, and the disciplinary proceedings against the police officer as evidence that action was taken irrespective of political affiliation.