Leaders demand withdrawal of ‘illegal cases’ against student activists

Kadapa – Andhra Pradesh: Leaders from various political parties and social organisations demanded that the government immediately withdraw what they called “illegal cases” filed against student leaders Ankanna and Nagaraju, stating that student activism cannot be silenced through intimidation.

Allegations of widespread irregularities under RJD

Leaders alleged that ever since Samuel took charge as the Regional Joint Director (RJD), rampant corruption has been occurring across Rayalaseema. They questioned reports that certain private schools were allegedly paying “lakhs of rupees” for recognition approvals and claimed that Samuel was functioning under the influence of a ruling party leader in Kadapa district.

They further alleged irregularities in teacher transfers, aided school recruitment, and misuse of school development funds, stating that “crores have changed hands” in the process.

Claims of aided posts sold for crores

According to the leaders, more than Rs 3 crore worth of posts were reportedly sold in each aided school, and dozens of posts had been filled unofficially. They also questioned the unusual placement of staff—such as a senior assistant from Anantapur allegedly being brought to the RJD office and another employee transferred to Annamayya district but working in Kadapa.

Leaders vow to expose evidence

The collective representatives stated that they would soon expose “strong evidence” of these alleged irregularities. They declared that the movement demanding an inquiry into RJD Samuel’s actions would continue until the government initiates a full investigation.

Demand to drop cases against student leaders

The leaders called on the government to immediately withdraw the cases filed against student activists who raised questions about corruption in the Education Department. They said filing cases against students for speaking truth was “undemocratic and unacceptable.”

Leaders present

Karu Anjaneyulu, Convener of the Greater Rayalaseema Development Forum; Sagili Gurrappa, District President of the BSP; Sangati Manohar, President of the Mahajanarajyam Party; JV Ramana, President of the SC ST Human Rights Forum; CRV Prasad, Convener of the All-Party Committee; Mathayya, District President of AP MRPS (Mandakrishna Group); K.Subbarayudu, State Secretary of the RSP; Jayavardhan, State Secretary of the All India Forward Bloc; DM Obulesu Yadav, State President of RSF; RN Raja, JAC Chairman of Student-Youth-Public Associations; Devara Srikrishna, President of Loksatta Party; Babu, State Vice President of AP MRPS; Rajendra, State President of AISB; Mallela Jagadish, State General Secretary of RVS; Reddy Sai, District General Secretary of RSF; Nagarjuna Reddy, State Vice President of ISF; Nageswara Rao, District General Secretary of PDSU; Obayya, State President of ASYF; Prasanna, District President of NNSF; Patam Subbarao, District President of the Parents Association; Anjaneyulu, District General Secretary of the Backward Regions Development Forum; Narasimhulu, District President of Human Rights; and Penchalayya, District President of the Handicrafts United Forum Party.