Published Aug 20, 2026 | 7:02 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 20, 2026 | 7:02 PM
A video that went viral showed the officer allegedly assaulting students. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: Following widespread outrage against the officer’s action, Superintendent of Police P Shabarish withdrew Reddy from active duty until the matter is resolved, and assigned a DSP-rank officer to lead a formal investigation.
Authorities have ordered an inquiry after Mahabubabad Town Circle Inspector Raghupathi Reddy was caught on video allegedly attempting to choke two polytechnic students during a protest outside the district Collectorate.
The confrontation unfolded as polytechnic students held a demonstration against the merger of polytechnic colleges with Young India Skills University.
Circle Inspector Raghupathi Reddy
Reddy was seen forcefully gripping two male students by their throats and shoving them. The clip drew backlash from student groups and politicians, and many called for the officer’s removal for using excessive force against protesters.
In response, Superintendent of Police P Shabarish withdrew Reddy from active duty until the matter is resolved, and assigned a DSP-rank officer to lead a formal investigation.
The demonstration in Mahabubabad is part of statewide protests by polytechnic students demanding the government’s response on the status of lateral entry to engineering degrees after the merger into YISU.
