A police picket has since been established in East Chodavaram, and officials said the situation remains peaceful.
Published Dec 28, 2025 | 1:41 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 28, 2025 | 1:50 PM
Cops took the accused through main road of the village before being remanded to judicial custody. (X/EGDISTPOLICE)
Synopsis: A goat slaughter before a banner of ex-Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan in East Godavari sparked outrage and swift police action. Seven alleged YSRCP activists were arrested within 24 hours, with cases filed under multiple laws. CM Chandrababu Naidu condemned intimidation tactics, vowing strict enforcement against political rowdyism, as authorities moved to restore public confidence in law and order.
A provocative late-night act involving the public slaughter of a goat in front of a flex banner of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in East Chodavaram village of Nallajerla mandal in East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh triggered sharp political reactions and a swift police crackdown.
The incident occurred around 8.40 pm on 26 December, when a group of alleged YSRCP activists erected a flex banner bearing what police described as “hate-filled and provocative language” and proceeded to slaughter a goat in full public view. The act, which shocked villagers and sparked tension in the area, was immediately reported to the police.
East Godavari District Superintendent of Police D Narasimha Kishore said in an official release on 28 December that all seven accused were identified, traced, and arrested within 24 hours.
“Anyone attempting to intimidate or terrorise the public will face strict action under the law,” the SP warned, asserting that such acts would not be tolerated irrespective of political affiliations.
The arrested persons were identified as Konda Battula Sadhu, Potti Naveen, Kanikella Ravi, Akkala Yesu, Doddigarla Rajesh, Katthula Ramesh, and Usurumarthi Pedda Sai Kumar, all residents of the area. Illicit liquor (natu sara) was also seized from their possession.
Based on a complaint lodged by East Chodavaram Gram Panchayat Secretary Koduri Srinivasarao, the police registered a case under Sections 196 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 11(i) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Section 27(1) of the Arms Act, 1959. Special teams from the Kovvur sub-division were deployed to prevent any escalation.
ఎవరైనా ప్రజలను భయభ్రాంతులకు గురి చేస్తే వారిపై చట్ట ప్రకారం కఠిన చర్యలు తప్పవు అని హెచ్చరించిన… తూర్పుగోదావరి జిల్లా ఎస్పీ శ్రీ డి. నరసింహ కిషోర్ ఐ.పీ.ఎస్., గారు. pic.twitter.com/MSqSqM8ykJ
— EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT POLICE (@EGDISTPOLICE) December 27, 2025
The police took the accused through the main road of the village under police supervision before being remanded to judicial custody. A police picket has since been established in East Chodavaram, and officials said the situation remains peaceful.
However, the Nallajerla episode has resonated far beyond the village, echoing recent strong remarks by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu against what he termed a growing culture of political intimidation.
Speaking at Tirupati on 26 December, while inaugurating the new District Police Office, Naidu issued a stern warning against practices such as animal sacrifice, smearing blood on posters, blocking roads, and using violence to terrorise society.
“What is this culture of intimidating people by smearing animal blood on posters?” the CM asked, making it clear that rowdyism cloaked in political symbolism would invite harsh consequences, including expulsion from the state.
“If anyone indulges in illegal activities — even if they belong to our own party — they will be sent to jail. That is our track record,” he said.
Although Naidu did not refer specifically to the Nallajerla incident, officials privately acknowledged that the swift action taken there reflects the policy direction articulated by the chief minister.
The government, they said, is keen to restore public confidence in law enforcement after years of allegations that political patronage allowed such acts to go unchecked.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
