Telugu Desam suspends Satyavedu MLA over sexual harassment allegations

Responding to the complaint, TD's top leadership took immediate measures against the MLA. Andhra Pradesh TD President Palla Srinivasa Rao issued a statement on Thursday, merely hours after the allegations came to light, announcing Adimulam's suspension from the party.

The 66-year-old Adimulam, who won the recent elections from Satyavedu Assembly constituency in Tirupati district on a TD ticket, finds himself at the centre of a scandal that has sent shockwaves through political circles. The victim, a TD worker, has accused the MLA of persistent harassment and sexual abuse over the past few months.

Speaking to media representatives, the victim recounted her ordeal: "Initially, he would call me for campaigning and other party-related work. However, I soon realised his intentions were far from professional. He would call me incessantly, sometimes up to 100 times a night. On one occasion, he summoned me to a hotel in Tirupati and forced me into sexual acts”.

The woman further alleged that Adimulam threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke out about his misdeeds. "He threatened to kill me and my family members if I revealed anything. Given his position as an MLA, I remained silent out of fear for my family's safety”, she explained.

The victim stated that she decided to come forward with her allegations as Adimulam's behaviour had become increasingly intolerable. She also expressed concern for other women in the Satyavedu constituency, hoping her actions would protect them from similar experiences.

It may be noted that Adimulam had previously won the 2019 elections as a YSRC candidate. He switched allegiance to the TD after being denied a ticket by YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in the recent elections.