The Vishakapatnam court delivered a landmark judgement in the infamous “Shiromundanam” case that happened way back in 1996.
YCP MLC and Mandapeta MLA candidate, Thota Trimurthulu, along with six other accused individuals, were served with an 18-month jail sentence from the court. Additionally, Trimurthulu was fined Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
The case has been pending for 28 years. Back on December 28, 1996, Thota Trimurthulu and others allegedly forcibly shaved the heads of five Dalits in Venkatayapalem village, Ramachandrapuram mandal, within the current Konaseema district, to humiliate them. It was a sensational case back then.
The investigation of this case continued for the last 28 years and the hearing was postponed 148 times. The Dalit organisations and Human Rights Forum were constantly fighting for justice. Finally, the court delivered the verdict today.
Meanwhile, it is a huge setback for YCP ahead of the elections as Trimurthulu was announced as the MLA contestant for the Mandapeta constituency. Now, as he is being arrested, we must see what decision the party will take concerning the constituency.
According to the sources, Trimurthulu’s arrest may also dent YCP’s reputation in the region during this crucial election season.
