A fatal road accident near Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district has plunged seven Dalit families from the same village into deep grief. Despite seven people losing their lives in the accident, the affected families and Dalit organisations have expressed strong anger over the government’s alleged failure to provide immediate assurance or announce clear compensation.
Victims’ Families Question TDP MP Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu
Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu, the TDP MP from Narasaraopet, visited Chilakaluripet Government Hospital to meet the families of the victims.
During his visit, family members of the deceased and Dalit organisation leaders confronted the MP and raised slogans demanding justice. When the MP suggested that they submit a representation so that their concerns could be taken to the Chief Minister’s attention, the protesters became more agitated.
They questioned why the government was asking them to submit a representation at a time when it should have responded on its own and stood by the bereaved families.
Demand for ₹1 Crore Compensation to Each Deceased Family
Dalit organisations have demanded ₹1 crore compensation for each family that lost a member in the accident and ₹50 lakh for every injured person.
They also demanded that the government announce immediate financial assistance for the bereaved families and ensure that those injured receive the best possible medical treatment.
The protesters made it clear that they would not withdraw their agitation until the government gave them a clear assurance on their demands.
Protesters Block National Highway-16
Following the protest that began at the Chilakaluripet Area Hospital, the protesters took out a rally and staged a sit-in on National Highway-16.
The blockade severely disrupted traffic on the Chennai–Kolkata National Highway, forcing authorities to divert vehicles at several locations.
Demand for MLA Prathipati Pullarao’s Intervention
The protesters demanded that Chilakaluripet MLA Prathipati Pullarao personally visit the affected families and give them a clear assurance that justice would be delivered.
They said they had voted for and elected the MLA and therefore expected him to come forward and stand by the families during the crisis.
The protesters announced that the agitation would continue until the MLA personally responded to their concerns.
Tension Continues at NRT Centre
The protest, which began on Thursday evening, continued until Friday morning, creating a tense situation at the NRT Centre in Chilakaluripet.
Family members of the deceased, leaders of Dalit organisations and a large number of residents from Veluru village participated in the protest.
They demanded that the coalition government and local elected representatives immediately intervene and ensure justice and financial support for the affected families.
Officials Hold Talks With Protesters
Amid the escalating protest, the DSP and RDO reached the site during the night and held discussions with the victims’ family members.
However, the families rejected the officials’ appeal to call off the protest. They insisted that MLA Prathipati Pullarao himself must come to the spot and provide a clear assurance on their demands.
The protesters maintained that they would continue their agitation until their demands were addressed and the affected families received concrete support from the government.
