Maoist Threat Letters Sent to Four Ministers
Andhra Pradesh has been placed on high alert today after four key state ministers received anonymous letters threatening their lives and those of their families. The letters, delivered by post directly to the ministers’ chambers at the Velagapudi Secretariat, were purportedly sent by banned Maoist groups.
The ministers identified as targets are Kandula Durgesh (Tourism), Anagani Satya Prasad (Revenue), Kollu Ravindra (Mines), and Y. Satya Kumar Yadav (Health). This incident has sent ripples through the political circles of Amaravati, especially as it coincides with the ongoing Budget Session of the state assembly.
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh addressed the media, noting that while the letters have caused distress to his family, he remains skeptical of their authenticity. He pointed out that the language and formatting do not align with the traditional communication style of Maoist organizations. He believes this could be a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to create panic.
Police officials from the Thullur station have registered a formal case and launched a high-level investigation. Preliminary findings reveal that the letters included a mobile number traced back to a person in Khammam, Telangana. Authorities are currently scanning CCTV footage from postal drop-off points and verifying handwriting patterns to identify the source.
In response to the threats, the state government has significantly beefed up security for the four ministers. Intelligence agencies are also working to determine if there is any legitimate threat or if this is the work of pranksters aiming to disrupt the legislative proceedings. The ministers’ residences and travel routes are now under 24/7 surveillance as a precautionary measure.
