Telangana IAS Officers Association condemns attack on Vikarabad District Collector

Hyderabad: The Telangana IAS Officers Association has expressed deep concern over the recent attack on Vikarabad District Collector Prateek Jain and other government officials during protests in Kodangal.

In a statement issued by the Association, Shashank Goel, President, and Jayesh Ranjan, Secretary, said, "The IAS Association Telangana takes a very serious view of the incidents that have occurred in Vikarabad district. The government is taking strong action in the matter. Such acts cannot dilute the resolve of government officials in discharging their duties in any manner."

The attack took place on November 11, 2024, when a violent confrontation broke out during protests by farmers opposing land acquisition for pharmaceutical companies in the region. The farmers, fearing the loss of their livelihoods, clashed with officials, leading to the assault on Collector Prateek Jain and his team.

In connection with the attack, former BRS MLA Patnam Narender Reddy was arrested by police on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Patnam Narender Reddy, who previously represented Kodangal, was apprehended at KBR Park and later taken to the Parigi police station. His arrest followed the discovery that one of the key suspects, Suresh, is a known supporter of Patnam Narender Reddy, leading authorities to suspect his involvement in the violence.

Along with Patnam Narender Reddy's arrest, 16 others have been taken into custody and remanded to judicial detention. Initially, 55 individuals were questioned in connection with the incident.