Andhra Pradesh: MLA From Ruling TDP Protests Against Sand Smuggling, Says Police Ignored Complaint

The controversy started when MLA Asmith Reddy urged rural inspector Lakshmikantha Reddy to register cases against the transporters of sand but the inspector allegedly ignored the MLA’s directions.

Facing mounting political pressure from TDP, the controversy escalated after they forced Circle Inspector (CI) Lakshmikantha Reddy to allegedly publicly apologise to MLA Asmith Reddy.

Source : Special arrangement

A tense situation unfolded in Tadipatri, Anantapur district, on Tuesday after local MLA JC Asmith Reddy staged a protest demanding a police action over illegal sand transportation from Pennar river. The conflict began when the MLA’s aides confronted illegal sand transporters, leading to a heated exchange.

Following this, MLA Asmith Reddy urged rural inspector Lakshmikantha Reddy to register cases against the transporters, but the inspector allegedly ignored the MLA’s directions. It is also reported that the police argued lacked sufficient grounds for legal action.

Facing mounting political pressure from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the controversy escalated, when they alleged forced Circle Inspector (CI) Lakshmikantha Reddy to publicly apologise to MLA Asmith Reddy.

In response, MLA Asmith Reddy, a first-time legislator from influential JC family known for its political clout in the Rayalaseema region, organised a protest outside the Tadipatri police station. Determined to hold the inspector accountable, they reportedly insisted on a public apology.

Taking to X, YSRCP said, "Is this the Rakshasananda for JC family in Tadipatri? @JaiTDP MLA JC Asmit Reddy apologizes to CI Laxmikanta Reddy. JC Asmit Reddy apologized to the CI in front of everyone for hurting the morale of the police with authoritarianism."

తాడిపత్రిలో జేసీ ఫ్యామిలీకి ఇదేం రాక్షసానందం?

సీఐ లక్ష్మీకాంత రెడ్డితో క్షమాపణలు చెప్పించుకున్న @JaiTDP ఎమ్మెల్యే జేసీ అస్మిత్ రెడ్డి

అధికారమదంతో పోలీసుల మనోభావాల్ని దెబ్బతీస్తూ అందరి ముందు సీఐ నుంచి క్షమాపణలు చెప్పించుకున్న జేసీ అస్మిత్ రెడ్డి pic.twitter.com/UNSgk2TEMt

— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) August 27, 2024

JC Asmith Reddy is the son of former MLA JC Prabhakar Reddy. In 2014, Asmith joined TDP and started his political career as Tadipatri councillor. In 2019, he contested Assembly election from Tadpatri but lost to YSRCP candidate. 

In the recently concluded 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly election, he won by a margin of 27,721 votes in TDP ticket.