Hyderabad, 13 July

Suspended Congress MLC Teenmaar Mallanna’s gunman fired into the air on Sunday to disperse a group of protesters—allegedly affiliated with Telangana Jagruthi—who had entered Mallanna’s office in Medipally, police said.

Telangana Jagruthi, led by BRS MLC K Kavitha, allegedly attacked Mallanna’s office in protest against his remarks about her.

Mallanna was present in the office when the incident occurred.

According to preliminary information, a group of Telangana Jagruthi members, enraged by Mallanna’s comments, barged into his office and "vandalised" furniture.

They also allegedly assaulted some employees, prompting the gunman to open fire in the air in self-defence, a senior police official told PTI.

Television footage showed the gunman firing into the air to disperse the mob, as several protesters were seen attacking staff inside the premises.

Police rushed to the spot soon after the incident. Further investigation is underway.

Speaking to reporters, Teenmaar Mallanna, born Chintapandu Naveen Kumar, alleged that an attempt was made on his life at the instigation of Kavitha.

He claimed that those who stormed his office tried to snatch his gunman’s weapon and open fire at him. He said a formal complaint, along with evidence, has been submitted to the police.

He demanded that Kavitha's membership in the Legislative Council be revoked for "instigating a murder attempt."

Mallanna also said he would not be intimidated and would continue to work for the welfare of backward classes.

He was elected to the Legislative Council as a Congress nominee in 2024. However, he was suspended from the party earlier this year over alleged anti-party activities.

Meanwhile, Kavitha met Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and submitted a memorandum, alleging that Mallanna made "inappropriate and defamatory comments" against her during a meeting in Sangareddy district.

She urged Sukhender Reddy to refer the matter to the Council’s Ethics Committee.

Addressing the media, Kavitha questioned why Mallanna had targeted her when she had made no remarks about him. Just because he belongs to the backward classes, it doesn’t mean he can say whatever he wants, she claimed.

She further said Telangana Jagruthi activists had planned a democratic protest against Mallanna’s comments, and questioned whether it was justified to fire at them.

"Would you shoot at them for protesting?" she asked.

Kavitha demanded that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy take immediate action and ensure Mallanna’s arrest.

If not, she warned, women across Telangana would believe that the CM supports Mallanna's statements.

She added that she would approach both the Telangana State Women’s Commission and the National Commission for Women with complaints regarding Mallanna’s remarks.