Land dispute: Cops detain Malla Reddy

HYDERABAD: Amid high tension over a land dispute, police detained BRS leader and former minister Ch Malla Reddy and his son-in-law Rajasekhar Reddy in Qutubullapur on Saturday.

The altercation involving over 100 persons, including their followers, began when 15 persons entered the land claiming to be owners of 400 square yards each. Malla Reddy alleged that his property had been encroached upon.

Speaking to the media later, Malla Reddy said, “their claims over four acres and 25 guntas are bogus and unsubstantiated. How could they fence a land that belongs to me? I will defend my place in court.”

He explained that "The land has been in our name for around 40 years. We demand justice. We requested a resurvey of the land and the police coordinated with the concerned departments. Heavy rains disrupted the survey, which is halfway through. We have submitted all relevant documents for verification. Why is there an urgency to come at midnight?”

The opposing party told the police that they had bought 1.11 acres of land at the 400 square yards each and that the court had ruled in their favour. The BRS leader accused Congress leaders of trying to encroach on his land for several years, which they intensified after the party came to power. After hearing both sides, the police advised them to resolve the issue amicably.

Recently, Medchal municipal authorities demolished sheds on the National Highway that were constructed without permission which reportedly belonged to Mahender Reddy, Malla Reddy's son.

“The survey had to be postponed to Sunday because of sudden rains. We will take legal action if any violations are found,” warned PetBasheerbagh inspector K. Vijay Vardhan.