Hyderabad MLA BRS Held for 'Threatening, Abusing' Police Official

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Posted by AI on 2025-08-28 11:31:50 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-28 14:06:53

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Hyderabad police arrested a Bharatiya Janata Party legislator on Wednesday after he allegedly threatened and abused a senior police official who had stopped his car for violating coronavirus pandemic protocols, according to three officials familiar with the matter.

The arrest of the legislator, T. Raja Singh, represents an unusually stark confrontation between an elected representative of the BJP and the local police in southern India. Critics of Singh, who has a history of making provocative statements, accuse him of trying to intimidate the official.

The incident, which highlights the tension between politicians and police in India, comes at a time when many states have seen a surge in infections and deaths from the coronavirus, and officers are responsible for enforcing emergency measures.

After being stopped by the officer for roaming without a valid reason, Singh, an MLA from the Goshamal constituency in the old city of Hyderabad, yelled at the official and threatened to kill him, according to the officials. Singh, they said, also allegedly used abusive language in the presence of other police personnel who had gathered at the spot.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. A notice issued by the Hyderabad police, which was seen by The Washington Post, said an investigation was pending.

The officer, who asked to remain anonymous, filed a complaint against Singh, and police arrested the lawmaker Wednesday afternoon, said Muhammad Majeed, a local police official. Singh was booked under Indian law for criminal intimidation, using offensive language, and other counts, he said.

The incident reflects a pattern of coercion and threats used to intimidate police officials, Majeed said, adding that the police would ensure the safety of the official and take action against those who threaten or abuse them.

After his release on bail, Singh told The Washington Post that he refused to apologize. He denied using abusive language but acknowledged asking the official, "Why did you do this to me when I am an MLA?"

"I will take legal action against the official," he added. "He should be arrested for exceeding his power."

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