Shots fired at BC leader Mallana’s office after remarks against Kavitha

Suspended Congress MLC Teenmar Mallana’s security officer fired shots in the air after Telangana Jagruthi activists vandalised his office, protesting against the crude remarks he had made about their president and BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha. A Telangana Jagruthi activist was injured in the firing. Meanwhile, Kavitha lodged a complaint with the DGP against the fellow MLC for his offensive comments against her.

Recently, Mallana, a Backward Class (BC) leader, made objectionable remarks against Kavitha while questioning her stand on reservation for BCs. He accused her of hijacking BC-related issues after she called for a rail roko protest on 17 July, demanding the Centre’s approval for a bill seeking enhanced reservation for the community. Mallana’s provocative statements — including a colloquial allusion to sharing bed with BCs — directed at Kavitha led to the attack.

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A group of 20 protesters on Sunday gathered outside Mallana’s office in Medipally—from where he runs a popular YouTube Channel—and vandalised the premises, damaging furniture and shattering window panes. Video clips showed staff members struggling to shut the doors as the protesters barged in and vandalised furniture. Mallana was present in the office along with 15-20 staff members when the incident occurred. He sustained minor injuries. His security officer fired five rounds to disperse the mob. Police arrived shortly afterward to bring the situation under control. The entire office was ransacked, and bloodstains were visible on the floor.

Kavitha implied that Mallana was targeting her because of her gender. She said, “Chief Minister Revanth Reddy must respond and take immediate action. Otherwise, we will conclude that you are behind this attack.” She accused Mallana of instructing his personal security officer to open fire. Kavitha filed a complaint with the DGP seeking action against the MLC and also wrote to the chairman of the Legislative Council, Sukender Reddy, demanding Mallana’s suspension.

Mallana, however, denied making any provocative statement, arguing over the semantics of the phrase he used against Kavitha. He said the protesters forced his security officer to open fire after attempting to snatch his gun. The Congress suspended Mallana in March this year after he publicly burnt copies of the caste census documents submitted by the Chief Minister in the Assembly. This is not the first time his office has been attacked. A few years ago, BRS supporters had ransacked his office following his comments against party leader KT Rama Rao and his son.