KAKINADA: A case was registered against Jana Sena Party MLA Pantham Nanaji at Sarpavaram police station in Kakinada on Tuesday for ‘assaulting’ Prof Uma Maheswara Rao, Head of Department of Forensic Medicine, and Vice-Chairman (Sports) of Rangaraya Medical College under Sections 292, 115(2), 351, 126(2) read with 3(5) of IPC.
Nanaji, along with his followers, entered into a heated argument with Prof Rao following a delay in conceding his request to make use of the college ground for a volleyball match. Later, the MLA tendered apology for his aggressive behaviour. However, sections under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and obstruction of a public servant from discharging his duty were not included in the case. Doctors and Dalit activists demanded that the police add relevant sections in the case against the MLA to ensure justice to the victim.
Speaking to TNIE, Inspector B Paddiraju said the case was registered based on a complaint received by the SP, and they would identify the MLA’s followers who were involved in the assault.
Earlier, the AP Government Doctors Association (APGDA) and the AP Junior Doctors Association (APJUDA) and various people’s organisations, held a massive rally from the RMC ground to the district police office in Kakinada demanding action against the MLA.
Dr D Jayadheer, APGDA president, Dr N Prasanna Kumar, Kakinada GGH Secretary, APJUDA leaders, led the protest. Later, they submitted a representation to district Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil seeking action against the MLA and his aides for ‘abusing and assaulting’ Prof Rao.
Speaking at the protest, Dr Jayadheer said, “Justice should be equal to all.” He said the government should take measures to ensure the safety and security of doctors from attacks. The APGDA and APJUDA announced that doctors will attend duties wearing black badges on Wednesday to protest against the MLA’s attack on Prof Rao, and continue the stir until justice is done. The SP assured the APGDA and APJUDA leaders that the incident would be investigated fairly.