A disturbing video has surfaced showing Andhra Pradesh police officers publicly beating three men with sticks in Tenali city, Guntur district. The incident, which reportedly occurred on April 25, 2025, came to light after the footage went viral on social media on May 26, igniting widespread condemnation and raising serious concerns about police conduct and human rights violations.
The three men, identified as John Victor, Karimulla, and Rakesh, are reportedly from the Dalit community. They were accused of assaulting Constable Kanna Chiranjeevi of the Tenali Town 1 police station on April 24. According to Chiranjeevi's complaint, the men attacked him due to past animosity while under the influence of ganja. An FIR was registered based on this complaint, leading to their arrest and subsequent public flogging on the Tenali highway.
However, conflicting reports have emerged suggesting that the constable had been attempting to extort money from the trio. When they allegedly refused to pay, they were booked under a false case and subjected to public punishment. The fourth accused, Naveen, remains absconding. The arrested individuals were presented before the court on May 25 and have been sent to judicial custody.
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) of Andhra Pradesh has strongly condemned the police's actions, labeling them as "unlawful and brutal." In a statement, HRF emphasized that such conduct violates constitutional rights and the rule of law, regardless of the alleged crimes committed by the individuals. They have called for an immediate inquiry and for the police personnel involved to be booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
In response to the public outcry, Guntur police have ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the law and protecting citizens' rights.
This incident adds to a series of recent reports highlighting instances of police brutality in Andhra Pradesh, prompting calls for systemic reforms and greater accountability within law enforcement agencies.