Tirupati police have confirmed that the kidnapping took place but have disputed several aspects of the survivor’s account.
Published May 21, 2025 | 6:18 PM ⚊ Updated May 21, 2025 | 6:18 PM
James, a fourth-year B.Tech student at Sri Vidyanikethan College, released a video in which he appeared with visible injuries.
Synopsis: A Dalit engineering student in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, has alleged that he was abducted, tortured, and subjected to caste-based abuse by a group led by a former college mate. In a video with visible injuries, the student claimed he was confined, beaten with iron rods, humiliated for his caste, and forced to drink his own urine. While police have confirmed the assault, they dispute the caste angle, attributing the incident to past college group rivalries.
A Dalit engineering student in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati has alleged that he was kidnapped, beaten, and subjected to caste-based abuse by a group led by a former college mate.
He further claimed that the assailants forced him to drink his own urine during the ordeal.
James, a fourth-year B.Tech student at Sri Vidyanikethan College, released a video in which he appeared with visible injuries.
In it, he alleged that a group of history-sheeters tortured him for over a day and a half, led by his former college mate named Yashwanth.
“I went to meet my cousin when Yashwanth, Jagga, KT Road Chotta Blade, and other rowdy-sheeters picked me up,” he said.
He alleged that the group confined him in a hotel room, where he was tied up, beaten with hockey sticks, iron rods, and subjected to casteist abuse.
“They kept me there for a day and a half. They tied me and used a sharp object to make cuts on my head,” he said in the video.
“They humiliated me for being a Dalit and for speaking up.”
James further alleged that he was stripped and forced to drink his own urine.
“They threatened to kill me if I told anyone,” he added.
He also accused the local police of initially refusing to file a complaint.
“After I went to the police, they refused to register a case against them, asking me to leave out two names,” he alleged. “They even offered me money to drop the case.”
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the incident, calling it a reflection of deteriorating law and order in the State.
“The incidents show the growing attacks on Dalits and the failing law and order situation in the State, which is not protecting weaker sections and those who raise their voice against injustice,” he wrote in a post on X.
Tirupati police have confirmed that the kidnapping took place but have disputed several aspects of the survivor’s account.
“The incident occurred during the early hours of 15 May. James was kidnapped by the assailants and taken to a nearby hotel for about two hours,” Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bethapudi Prasad, who is leading the investigation, told South First.
“It is true that James was kidnapped and assaulted. However, the incident did not occur because of caste. It was a case of college groupism.”
Yashwanth, the main accused, is a second-year college dropout who had previous run-ins with James, according to Prasad.
“They had spats during their time in college, which dragged on until now, culminating in the assault,” he said.
Responding to James’ allegations, he further said:
“After the investigation, James admitted to us that he made the claims because he wanted to garner attention to his assault,” Prasad said.
“Furthermore, all of James’ injuries are from blunt weapons, not blades. However, it must be noted that James was tied up and held in the washroom.”
A case has been registered under relevant sections, and seven persons have been named as accused. Police said no arrests have been made yet and that investigation is underway.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
