The court directive mandates security provision until the conclusion of the elections, accepting Barrelakka's plea for protection.
Published Nov 24, 2023 | 6:47 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 24, 2023 | 7:02 PM
Barrelakka's move to seek court intervention came in the wake of an attack on her brother, Chintu, by four youths. (Supplied)
The Telangana High Court on Friday, 24 November, issued orders to ensure the security of Karne Shireesha, also known as Barrelakka.
She is an independent candidate contesting the upcoming Assembly elections from the Kollapur constituency in the Nagarkurnool district.
Barrelakka’s move to seek court intervention came in the wake of an attack on her brother Chintu by five youths in the Vennacherla village earlier this week.
The candidate approached the Telangana High Court by filing an urgent petition on Thursday.
She sought intervention to declare the alleged inaction of respondent officials in maintaining law and order during her election campaign as illegal, arbitrary, and a violation of constitutional principles.
In her petition, Barrelakka urged the court to direct various respondents, including state officials and election commissioners, to provide necessary security throughout her campaign in Kollapur, including the facility of two-plus-two gunmen.
The court directive mandated the security provision until the conclusion of the elections, accepting Barrelakka’s plea for protection.
The court also emphasised that the security provisions were not limited to recognised political parties, asserting the Election Commission’s responsibility for ensuring the safety of all candidates.
Recounting the incident in a video that has since been circulated widely on social media, Barrelakka detailed the intimidation she faced, leading to public protests.
Expressing deep distress, Barrelakka recounted that her grandfather had often mentioned that politics was synonymous with “rowdyism”, and now the family was witnessing it firsthand.
In an emotional statement, a tearful Barrelakka said, “My 18-year-old brother is innocent. He was preparing to serve food when five persons came from behind and assaulted him without any reason.”
దారుణం..
కొల్లాపూర్ నుంచి స్వతంత్ర అభ్యర్థిగా బరిలో దిగిన నిరుద్యోగి శిరీష అలియాస్ #Barrelakka తమ్ముడిపై గుర్తుతెలియని వ్యక్తులు దాడి చేశారు. గత కొద్దిరోజులుగా ప్రజల చందాలతో ఎన్నికల ప్రచారం చేస్తున్న శిరీషకు సోషల్ మీడియాతో విస్తృత స్పందన వస్తోంది. గతంలో కేసులు, బెదిరింపులతో… pic.twitter.com/UopywJvMdA— ThulasiChandu (@thulasichandu1) November 21, 2023
Social media discussions speculated on the assailants’ alleged connection to the BRS, which is in power in Telangana.
Meanwhile, Barrelakka’s brief video explaining her decision to contest as an independent candidate resonated with many.
It depicted her struggle to find employment after completing her degree and resorting to rearing buffaloes for a livelihood.
Barrelakka gained attention through videos showcasing her buffalo farming and highlighting her challenges in securing employment despite holding a degree.
Born into a humble family, she contends that her fight is for her family, connecting with voters through her unique campaign style.
