Nagavelli Rajalingamurthy, a 50-year-old activist known for his outspoken stance against alleged governmental corruption, was brutally murdered on the evening of February 19, 2025, in Bhupalpally town. This tragic event has ignited a fierce political debate, with various factions attributing motives and responsibilities for the heinous act.
Rajalingamurthy, a resident of Bhupalpally and the husband of former municipal councillor Sarala, had been an active figure in local politics and social issues. In October 2023, he took a bold step by filing a legal complaint alleging significant corruption in the construction of the Medigadda barrage, a component of the ambitious Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS). His complaint specifically named former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, and other officials, accusing them of misappropriating public funds. This legal action was prompted by the sinking of some piers of the Medigadda barrage, an incident that raised serious concerns about the project’s structural integrity and the quality of its construction. Despite facing obstacles, including the police’s initial refusal to register his complaint and subsequent legal challenges, Rajalingamurthy persisted, escalating the matter to higher judicial authorities. The Telangana High Court eventually stayed the proceedings, but his unwavering pursuit of accountability marked him as a determined whistleblower.
On the fateful evening of his murder, Rajalingamurthy was ambushed by unidentified assailants while riding his motorcycle through Reddy Colony in Bhupalpally. The attackers, reportedly numbering between three and four, assaulted him with sharp weapons, inflicting fatal injuries. Despite his attempts to escape, he succumbed to the brutal attack, collapsing in a pool of blood on the road. The assailants fled the scene, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Rajalingamurthy’s family, particularly his wife Sarala, has come forward with serious allegations. They claim that members of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the political party formerly led by KCR, are implicated in the murder. Sarala has specifically accused former MLA Gandra Venkataramana Reddy and his associates of orchestrating the attack, suggesting that her husband’s relentless efforts to expose corruption in the KLIS made him a target. She further alleged that, prior to the murder, there were attempts to bribe her husband with an offer of ₹10 lakh to withdraw his complaint, an offer he steadfastly refused.
These allegations have intensified the political discourse in the state. Telangana’s Roads and Buildings Minister, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, condemned the murder and criticized the BRS for fostering a culture of “murder politics” during its decade-long tenure. He asserted that Rajalingamurthy was targeted because he dared to challenge the alleged financial misconduct associated with the Kaleshwaram project. In response, former MLA Gandra Venkataramana Reddy refuted these claims, expressing that the accusations were baseless and politically motivated. He suggested that the murder was likely the result of local land disputes involving the victim, distancing himself and his party from any involvement.
Law enforcement agencies have initiated an investigation into the murder, exploring multiple angles. Preliminary findings by the police indicate that longstanding land disputes may have been a significant factor, as Rajalingamurthy was known to be entangled in several property-related conflicts. However, given the serious allegations from the family and the high-profile nature of the victim’s activism, authorities have stated that they are not ruling out any possibilities and are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, once hailed as a monumental achievement aimed at transforming Telangana’s irrigation capabilities, has been mired in controversy following structural issues like the sinking of the Medigadda barrage piers. Critics have pointed to these problems as evidence of deep-seated corruption and negligence within the project’s execution. Rajalingamurthy’s legal actions brought these issues to the forefront, challenging powerful political figures and demanding accountability. His untimely death has now cast a shadow over the project’s legacy and has raised pressing questions about the safety and rights of whistleblowers in the region.
As the investigation progresses, there is a collective call from various quarters for justice to be served. The incident has not only highlighted the potential perils faced by individuals who stand against corruption but has also sparked a broader conversation about the need for systemic reforms to protect activists and ensure transparency in governmental projects. The outcome of this case is poised to have significant implications for the state’s political landscape and the public’s trust in its institutions.
