TDP MLA Koneti Adimulam Suspended Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Koneti Adimulam, the MLA for Satyavedu, has been suspended following serious allegations of sexual assault made by a female party worker. The allegations were publicly presented during a press conference held in Tirupati, where the woman accused Adimulam of repeated harassment and assault.

Key Allegations

  • Assault Incidents: The woman claims that Adimulam sexually assaulted her multiple times in a hotel room, specifically at the Bhima Paradise Hotel in Tirupati. She stated that he threatened her life if she disclosed the assaults, which she alleges occurred three times[1][4].
  • Evidence Presented: During the press conference, the woman revealed that she had recorded evidence of the assaults using a pen camera and had documented numerous harassing messages and calls from Adimulam, which she described as being in the hundreds. This evidence was intended to support her claims against him[1][2].
  • Political Context: Adimulam, who previously served as a member of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), joined the TDP shortly before the 2024 elections. His entry into the TDP was met with opposition from local party leaders, and he was accused of exploiting his political position to harass women[2][4].
Key Information Details
Name Koneti Adimulam
Position MLA, Satyavedu
Party Telugu Desam Party (TDP)
Allegations Sexual harassment and assault
Location of Incidents Bhima Paradise Hotel, Tirupati
Suspension Date September 5, 2024
Response from TDP Suspension; further investigation
Opposition’s Reaction Calls for criminal charges

TDP’s Response

Following the allegations, TDP suspended Adimulam from the party and stated that further actions would be determined after a thorough investigation. TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao indicated that party chief N Chandrababu Naidu would oversee any additional measures needed, including the possibility of expulsion from the party[2][4].

Broader Reactions

The allegations have prompted responses from other political entities, including the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which has called for serious criminal charges, including rape and attempted murder, to be filed against Adimulam. YSRCP spokesperson P Shiva Shankar criticized the TDP’s actions as insufficient, emphasizing the need for a more robust legal response to the serious nature of the allegations[1][2].

The situation surrounding Koneti Adimulam highlights ongoing issues of sexual harassment within political circles in India. The allegations and subsequent suspension have sparked significant media attention and public discourse, raising questions about accountability and the treatment of women in politics.