Lawyers protest in Hyderabad after senior advocate’s brutal murder

Hyderabad: Lawyers in Hyderabad staged protests on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, demanding the immediate implementation of the Advocate Protection Act following the brutal murder of senior advocate Israel. The advocate, a member of the Ranga Reddy Bar Association, was fatally stabbed by an electrician in the Santosh Nagar area on March 24, 2025.

The protests, which began at the Nampally Criminal Court, saw lawyers boycotting their duties to express their anger over the attack. The advocates called for stronger measures to ensure their safety, citing the government's failure to address previous incidents of violence against lawyers.

Raja Vardhan Reddy, President of the Nampally Criminal Court Bar Association, voiced his concerns, stating that it is distressing for lawyers to work under constant fear for their lives. He urged both the central and state governments to implement special protection laws to safeguard legal professionals.

The protests escalated as lawyers attempted to storm the assembly but were stopped by police and detained at the Bandlaguda police station. The advocates condemned the arrests and vowed to intensify their protests until adequate protection measures are put in place.

Israel’s murder occurred in broad daylight in the New Maruti Nagar colony. Reports suggest that the attacker, Dastagiri, an electrician who had been working at Israel's home, stabbed the advocate shortly after Israel filed a complaint against him on behalf of a woman accusing him of harassment. Israel was rushed to Apollo Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.