BRS Leader K. T. Rama Rao Accuses Govt of Shielding Police in Dalit Youth Custodial Death, Demands Action

Hyderabad, 27 Feb 2026 — BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) has strongly condemned the recent custodial death of a Dalit youth and demanded decisive action from the Telangana government, alleging that police officers involved are being protected rather than held accountable.

The incident involves Karla Rajesh, a young Dalit man who died while in police lockup in Kodad, Suryapet district. KTR visited Rajesh’s family to express support and vowed to confront the Congress-led state government over the case.

Addressing the media, Rama Rao claimed that Rajesh was “brutally tortured and unjustly killed” under political pressure and criticised the government for failing to provide transparent answers. He directly questioned local Congress leaders, including Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, demanding clarity on their role and response.

KTR urged the immediate dismissal of the DSP, SI and CI accused of involvement in the custodial death, asserting that promoting officers allegedly responsible for such acts sends the wrong message about justice in the state. He also announced that the BRS would provide ₹5 lakh in financial assistance to Rajesh’s family and assured continued support until justice is achieved.

Recalling how his party handled a previous custodial death case of a Dalit woman during its tenure — including ex-gratia compensation, a job for the victim’s family, and removal of responsible officers — KTR contrasted that approach with the current government’s response, accusing it of shielding officials rather than holding them accountable.

The controversy comes amid broader political criticism and promises that the issue will be raised in the state assembly, with the opposition prepared to escalate the matter if necessary.