1 hr ago
Hyderabad MLA Faces Outrage Over Bus Video
A video from a bus in Hyderabad spread online and caused anger.
It seemed to show a lawmaker touching a teenage student.
The lawmaker said the bus turned on a curve and that he touched her respectfully.
An advocate said police should look into the incident and that a child-protection law might apply if the student is underage.
People online criticized the lawmaker and some asked his party to act.
A BRS leader also said authorities should respond.
The articles do not say that police have opened a case or that the party has taken action.
A viral video appeared to show Congress MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy touching a teenage girl on a bus.
The incident reportedly occurred Tuesday during a trip from Ibrahimpatnam to Yamjal.
Ranga Reddy said a road curve caused his hand to move behind the student and described his contact as respectful.
Advocate Dr K. Bharati called for police action and said the POCSO Act could apply if the girl is a minor.
Social media users and BRS leader R.S. Praveen Kumar criticized the MLA and called for action.
- Who
- Congress MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy, a teenage girl student, and critics including advocate Dr K. Bharati and BRS leader R.S. Praveen Kumar.
- What
- A viral bus video prompted allegations that the MLA touched a student inappropriately; he denied wrongdoing and offered an explanation.
- Where
- On an RTC bus travelling from Ibrahimpatnam to Yamjal, in Telangana.
- When
- The bus trip reportedly took place Tuesday; the MLA addressed the controversy on Wednesday.
- Why
- The MLA said he was asking students about the state’s free bus scheme and blamed the contact on a road curve; critics called for investigation and action.
Critics and Calls for Action
MLA’s Explanation
Interpretation of the contact
Critics and Calls for Action
Critics described the contact as inappropriate or harassment; advocate Dr K. Bharati said it could amount to outraging modesty.
MLA’s Explanation
Ranga Reddy said he held the student’s hand respectfully and that a road curve caused his hand to move behind her.
Authorities’ response
Critics and Calls for Action
Bharati urged police to take suo motu cognisance, while BRS leader R.S. Praveen Kumar called for police action.
MLA’s Explanation
Ranga Reddy accused vested interests of conducting a smear campaign; the report does not state that police or the party had acted.
Key facts
- MLA
- Malreddy Ranga Reddy, Congress representative for Ibrahimpatnam
- Incident
- Reportedly occurred Tuesday on an RTC bus from Ibrahimpatnam to Yamjal
- Scheme discussed
- Mahalakshmi, the state’s free bus travel scheme for women
- MLA’s explanation
- He attributed the movement of his hand to a curve in the road and said he acted respectfully
- Advocate’s view
- Dr K. Bharati called it a case of outraging modesty and urged police to take cognisance
- Possible legal provision
- Bharati said POCSO should be invoked if the girl is a minor
- Political response
- BRS leader R.S. Praveen Kumar accused the government of shielding the MLA and urged police action
Quotes
Dr K. Bharati
Advocate who commented on the incident
“I would have slapped him, a creepy pervert, who touches women like that. Imagine he is like this in public, in private, what he might be doing.”
deccanchronicle.com
“It is a clear case of outraging modesty”
deccanchronicle.com
Malreddy Ranga Reddy
Congress MLA from Ibrahimpatnam who was shown in the video
“If you see I was holding her hand in a very respectful manner. What is wrong if I hold hands and talk to a girl who is like my daughter. It is a gesture to express affection”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
Bihar Jamui Molestation Video Sparks Arrests and Political Outrage
'Sexual assault' cases filed against KTR, Harish Rao
BRS Women MLAs Allege Police Assault, Seek NHRC, NCW Inquiry
Rahul Gandhi Condemns Jamui Video, Demands Action Against Alleged Harassment
Karnataka MLA Faces Outrage After Curt Public Grievance Exchange
Telangana Assembly Row Deepens Over Remarks, Police Action
Telangana Gurukul Student Scales 6,027-Metre Mount Tarang-2
Jubilee Hills Pub Brawl Leaves Three Injured, Police Book 150
BRS leader targets government over fake Fire NOC scam
BRS Leader Challenges Removal of Bulletproof Vehicles
