HYDERABAD: In a major political escalation in Telangana, the Saifabad police arrested Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Thatha Madhusudan, popularly known as Tata Madhu, early Tuesday morning. Police took Madhu into custody from his residence at the New MLA Quarters in Hyderguda around 7:00 AM. Along with Madhu, BRS MLC N. Naveen Kumar Reddy was also arrested from his residence in Kokapet. Both leaders were detained following a criminal complaint alleging they made abusive and derogatory remarks against Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar.
The controversy stems from an incident on Monday during an opposition protest near Gate No. 3 of the Telangana Legislative Assembly. BRS legislators were protesting against the ruling Congress government while wearing black T-shirts with anti-government slogans, leading to a heated scuffle when security forces barred their entry. During the clash, Madhu and Naveen Reddy allegedly launched a verbal tirade directed at the Assembly Speaker in full view of Assembly staff, security personnel, and media cameras.
Following a complaint filed by Pollepalli Venkatesham, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Assembly Speaker, the Saifabad Police registered Crime No. 364/2026. The leaders were booked under Section 352 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as multiple stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, given that Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.
The incident triggered emotional scenes in the Legislative Assembly, where Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar broke down while recalling the events. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy strongly condemned the remarks, labeling the episode a “dark day” for state democracy and urging the Legislative Council Chairman to take strict disciplinary action, including potential expulsion of the offending members.
In response to his arrest, Tata Madhu defended himself by stating that he holds full respect for the Speaker’s constitutional position and denied directing any personal insults toward him. He clarified that his outbursts were aimed strictly at the police personnel involved in the physical altercation during the protest and expressed regret if his words were misinterpreted. Meanwhile, BRS leaders staged protests outside the Narayanguda Police Station where the MLCs were held, accusing the Congress government of using police machinery to target opposition leaders and suppress political dissent. Both leaders are scheduled to be produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court at Nampally for judicial custody
