Turaka Kishore, Accused in Attack on Buddha Venkanna and Bonda Uma, Arrested
Hyderabad, January 5 — Police have arrested Turaka Kishore, a leader from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), in connection with the 2021 attack on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders Buddha Venkanna and Bonda Uma in Macherla. The arrest comes after a prolonged manhunt and follows multiple allegations of Kishore's involvement in various illegal activities under the previous YSRCP-led government.
Kishore, who is known to be a close associate of former YSRCP MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, has been linked to several incidents of intimidation and unlawful activities in the past. The incident involving Buddha Venkanna and Bonda Uma occurred during the tenure of the previous YSRCP government, with both TDP leaders being attacked under controversial circumstances in Macherla.
After the change in political leadership in Andhra Pradesh, Kishore reportedly went into hiding, fearing arrest. However, Palnadu police, who had been actively tracking his whereabouts, were able to capture him in Hyderabad. While Kishore had been initially arrested during the previous government's rule, he was granted station bail and released within a day, leading to widespread criticism over the lack of action against him.
With the arrest now taking place under the current administration, authorities are expected to move forward with further investigations into Kishore’s alleged involvement in the attack and other illegal activities. The case has attracted significant political attention, with the opposition TDP claiming that Kishore's arrest is long overdue.
Kishore’s association with high-profile YSRCP leaders and his controversial past has sparked debates regarding the role of political patronage in facilitating unlawful activities. The arrest is expected to put pressure on the current government to take swift action in cases involving political violence and intimidation.