NIA searches are creating a stir in Hyderabad. NIA conducted surprise checks in many parts of the city. The NIA is searching the residence of Venugopal, the editor of the magazine, for alleged links with the Maoists. Venugopal is the son-in-law of Telugu poet Varavara Rao who is facing charges of treason in a case registered by Maharashtra’s Pune police. There is a rumor that searches are being conducted at his residence on allegations of his collaboration with the Maoist movement. NIA searches are being conducted in the residences of lawyers and rights activists in several areas of Himayat Nagar and LB Nagar.
In the month of October last year also, NIA conducted extensive searches in Telugu states. Searches were conducted in the houses of many people who were accused of having links with civil rights groups and Maoists.
On October 3, NIA teams raided the house of Civil Rights Association leader Venkateswarlu in Nellore district. The NIA conducted searches in the homes of civil rights leaders and lawyers across the state. These searches were conducted on the suspicion that they were collaborating with the Maoists.
At the same time, in Hyderabad, civil rights association leader and advocate Suresh’s house was searched.