Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC Naveen Kumar Reddy on Tuesday said the party would continue raising public issues despite the arrests of its leaders amid an escalating political confrontation with the Telangana government.

Reddy, who was arrested following the developments at the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Monday, said the BRS would continue to raise the concerns of people in both the Legislative Council and Assembly.

“No matter how many illegal arrests they make, we will stand on the side of the people,” Reddy said in a statement. He added that the party leadership had asked its leaders to continue fighting for public issues and said the BRS would hold the government led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy accountable.

Naveen Reddy arrested amid Assembly row

The BRS MLC was taken into custody on Tuesday morning, a day after a confrontation involving BRS legislators and police outside the Assembly premises.

Reports said police arrested Reddy from his residence in Hyderabad. BRS leaders have described the action as part of a wider attempt to restrict opposition legislators from raising issues against the government. 

The circumstances surrounding the arrests have become a fresh point of confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS.

BRS condemns arrests of MLCs

Reddy's statement came as the BRS condemned the arrest of fellow party MLC T Madhusudan Rao, popularly known as Tata Madhu.

Police arrested the two BRS MLCs in connection with a case concerning alleged derogatory and abusive remarks against Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar. According to reports, the case was registered following a complaint by the Speaker's Officer on Special Duty. 

The police action has triggered competing allegations from the two political sides, with the BRS questioning the manner in which its legislators were detained.

BRS alleges political targeting

The opposition party has alleged that police action was being used to prevent its legislators from raising public concerns and challenging the Congress government.

BRS leader T Harish Rao alleged that police, acting on the instructions of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, prevented party MLAs and MLCs from entering the Assembly and used force against them. These allegations have been made by the BRS and have not been independently established. 

Reddy's remarks similarly framed the arrests as an attempt to deter the opposition from continuing its political campaign.

Police case linked to Assembly incident

The arrests are linked to events surrounding a protest by BRS legislators at the Assembly on September 7.

According to the police complaint, BRS leaders allegedly assembled in the security area of the Assembly and made remarks directed at the Speaker. Police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Tata Madhu has denied insulting the Speaker, saying that remarks attributed to him were directed at police personnel during the confrontation. 

Political confrontation intensifies

The arrests have added another flashpoint to the continuing Congress-BRS political conflict in Telangana.

For the BRS, the incident has become an opportunity to accuse the Revanth Reddy government of suppressing opposition voices. The ruling side, meanwhile, has maintained that police action relates to the allegations arising from the Assembly incident.

With BRS leaders vowing to continue raising public issues despite the arrests, the dispute is likely to remain a major political issue in Telangana as the Assembly and Legislative Council proceedings continue.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC Thatha Madhusudan Rao, popularly known as Tata Madhu, was arrested by Saifabad Police on Tuesday in connection with a case over alleged derogatory and abusive remarks against Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar.

Police officials said Tata Madhu was arrested around 7 am from his residence at the New MLA Quarters in Hyderabad. He was subsequently taken to Narayanguda Police Station and is being produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court at Nampally for judicial custody proceedings. 

Case registered after Assembly incident

The case was registered at Saifabad Police Station following a complaint by Pollepalli Venkatesham, Officer on Special Duty to the Telangana Assembly Speaker.

According to the complaint, the alleged remarks were made on Monday, September 7, when the Assembly was in session and security arrangements were in place. Police said Tata Madhu and BRS MLC N Naveen Kumar Reddy, along with other party members, were present in the security area of the Assembly and allegedly made remarks against the Speaker in the presence of journalists, media personnel, Assembly staff and security personnel. 

Police registered Crime No. 364/2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation is being conducted by Saifabad Police. 

Tata Madhu denies insulting Speaker

Tata Madhu has denied that his remarks were directed at Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar. According to reports, the BRS MLC maintained that his comments were directed towards police personnel during the confrontation surrounding the BRS protest.

The BRS has also rejected the allegations against its leaders and accused the Congress-led Telangana government of targeting opposition representatives.

Naveen Kumar Reddy also taken into custody

The controversy also led to police action against another BRS MLC, Naveen Kumar Reddy. Police took him into custody from his residence in Kokapet on Tuesday morning in connection with the same case. 

The arrests came amid heightened tensions between the BRS and the ruling Congress following a protest by BRS legislators outside the Assembly on September 7.

BRS protest triggers confrontation

The dispute began when BRS leaders arrived at the Telangana Assembly wearing black T-shirts carrying slogans criticising the Congress government's record and its implementation of electoral guarantees.

Police stopped the legislators from entering the Assembly premises, leading to a confrontation between BRS members and security personnel. Several senior BRS leaders, including party working president KT Rama Rao and former minister T Harish Rao, were detained during the episode. 

The BRS subsequently accused the government of using police action to suppress opposition voices, while the ruling side maintained that action was being taken in connection with the alleged conduct of BRS leaders.

Speaker's remarks intensify political row

The issue gained further attention inside the Assembly after Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar became emotional while recounting the alleged remarks and circumstances surrounding the incident.

Congress leaders condemned the alleged comments and demanded action against Tata Madhu. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also called for action against the BRS MLC, describing the alleged remarks as an issue concerning the dignity of the Speaker's office.

The BRS, however, has maintained that the allegations against Tata Madhu are politically motivated and that the government is attempting to target its leaders amid the ongoing confrontation over the Congress government's performance.

Political tensions continue in Telangana

The arrest of Tata Madhu and the detention of Naveen Kumar Reddy have added another flashpoint to the increasingly heated Congress-BRS confrontation in Telangana.

With police investigating the allegations and the BRS continuing to question the arrests, the dispute is expected to remain a major issue during the ongoing Assembly session.

The case also places the focus on the balance between legislative conduct, political protest and police action as both parties continue to put forward competing accounts of the September 7 incident.

BRS leaders staged a protest outside the Narayanguda Police Station in Hyderabad on Tuesday, demanding the release of party MLCs Tata Madhu and Naveen Kumar Reddy, who were arrested following Monday’s confrontation involving BRS legislators and police outside the Telangana Assembly. 

BRS steps up protest after MLC arrests

The demonstration came hours after police arrested the two BRS MLCs in connection with the developments at the Assembly. Tata Madhu was arrested around 7 am and taken to Narayanguda Police Station before being produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Nampally for judicial custody. 

BRS leaders have strongly objected to the arrests, accusing the Congress-led Telangana government of using police action against Opposition representatives. The party has maintained that its legislators were protesting over public issues and alleged that the arrests were politically motivated. 

Tata Madhu booked over alleged remarks

The immediate legal issue concerns alleged derogatory and abusive remarks against Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar during Monday’s confrontation.

Police registered Crime No. 364/2026 at Saifabad Police Station under Section 352 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint was filed by Pollepalli Venkatesham, Officer on Special Duty to the Speaker. 

According to the complaint, Tata Madhu and Naveen Kumar Reddy, along with others, were present in a security area of the Assembly when the alleged remarks were made in the presence of journalists, Assembly staff and security personnel. Police said the investigation is underway. 

Tata Madhu, however, has denied insulting the Speaker and said his comments were directed at police personnel during the confrontation. 

BRS calls arrests action against Opposition

The arrests have widened an already intense political confrontation between the BRS and the Congress government led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

BRS leaders have described the arrests as an attempt to restrict the Opposition from raising public concerns inside the legislature. BRS MLC Naveen Reddy, following his arrest, said the party would continue raising issues concerning people despite the action against its leaders.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao has also accused the state government of resorting to arrests and detentions instead of addressing what the party says are unfulfilled election commitments.

Dispute began with Assembly protest

The latest confrontation follows a BRS protest outside the Telangana Assembly on Monday. KTR, former minister T Harish Rao and other BRS legislators had gathered to protest against the Congress government's performance after 1,000 days in office.

The legislators were wearing black T-shirts carrying slogans criticising the government. Police said the issue was not the colour of the clothing but the slogans printed on the T-shirts, which they described as objectionable. The standoff subsequently escalated into a confrontation between BRS legislators and police. 

Several BRS leaders, including KTR and Harish Rao, were detained during the protest. Police have also registered separate cases against several BRS leaders over allegations of obstructing and assaulting police personnel during the confrontation. 

Political row intensifies in Telangana

The dispute also reached the Assembly, where Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar became emotional while the alleged remarks were discussed. Congress leaders condemned the alleged comments and sought action against Tata Madhu, while the BRS rejected the allegations. 

The Telangana High Court separately directed the state DGP not to prevent BRS MLAs from entering the Assembly to attend the ongoing session, adding another legal dimension to the confrontation between the ruling party and the Opposition. 

The protest outside Narayanguda Police Station marks a further escalation as the BRS presses for the release of its arrested MLCs, while police proceedings linked to Monday's Assembly confrontation continue.

Addressing party workers, Navin alleged that Congress leaders continue to operate with an “Italian mindset,” a remark widely seen as an indirect reference to senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. He claimed that such politics has hindered the country's progress and weakened efforts aimed at ensuring long-term stability and development.

The BJP leader said political parties should focus on national interests rather than what he described as divisive politics. He argued that India’s growth depends on political stability, transparent governance and development-oriented policies.

During his speech, Navin also raised allegations related to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, one of Telangana’s largest infrastructure projects. He accused Congress leaders of attempting to shield alleged irregularities linked to the project and claimed that public resources had not been utilized effectively.

The Congress has repeatedly denied allegations of corruption and has often countered similar accusations by targeting both the BJP and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on governance-related issues. However, Navin used the occasion to reiterate the BJP’s demand for accountability in matters involving public expenditure and infrastructure development.

A significant portion of his address focused on former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. Navin alleged that Congress failed to give Rao the respect he deserved despite his contributions to the country. He described Rao as one of India's most influential leaders and argued that his legacy was not adequately acknowledged by his own party.

The remarks are politically significant in Telangana, where Narasimha Rao remains a respected figure. His role in India's economic reforms and national politics continues to hold relevance across party lines.

Navin also questioned the pace of Telangana’s development more than a decade after the state's formation. Telangana was created in 2014 following a prolonged movement for separate statehood, and political parties continue to debate whether the aspirations of the movement have been fully realized.

According to the BJP leader, the state still faces governance challenges that require a new political approach. He alleged that regional and national opposition parties have failed to deliver the level of development expected by citizens and called for greater public support for the BJP.

The BJP leader further accused Congress, the BRS and Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM of engaging in political arrangements that, in his view, prioritize electoral interests over development. The parties involved have previously rejected similar allegations and maintained that their political strategies are aimed at serving the people of Telangana.

Looking ahead to upcoming local body and municipal elections, Navin urged party workers to strengthen the BJP's organizational presence across the state. He called for the establishment of a “double-engine government,” a term frequently used by the BJP to describe governance by the party at both the Centre and the state level.

The BJP has been working to expand its footprint in Telangana, where it sees opportunities to emerge as a stronger political force. Navin told party workers that the goal of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) would require rapid development across all states, including Telangana.

His remarks come at a time when political activity in Telangana is intensifying ahead of future electoral contests, with major parties sharpening their campaigns and positioning themselves around issues of governance, development and regional aspirations.

Begum Bazar was packed for the Sri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra 2026, but what really turned heads wasn’t just the huge crowds—it was who showed up. In a moment that political folks are still talking about, T. Raja Singh’s son made a very public appearance, as captured in a photo circulating on WhatsApp from that morning.

The city didn’t take any chances with security. Over 10,000 police spread out to keep things under control, but their presence didn’t dull the excitement. The procession followed its usual route, buzzing with energy and celebration.

People see Singh’s son stepping out like this as more than just joining the festivities. It looked like a calculated first step into politics. Dressed in classic traditional clothes and wearing an orange stole, he mingled with supporters and stood alongside party leaders. T. Raja Singh hasn’t officially said his son is starting his political journey, but showing up in style at such a major event in Hyderabad says a lot about what’s likely coming next.

In a staggering revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Indian hospitality industry, the Income Tax Department has uncovered a colossal tax evasion racket involving the manipulation of billing software by restaurants across the country. At the heart of this financial heist is a dish synonymous with celebration and comfort: Biryani.

What began as a routine investigation into a Hyderabad-based biryani chain has snowballed into the country’s largest detection of suppressed sales, with officials estimating that restaurants concealed a mind-boggling ₹70,000 crore in revenue over the last six financial years .

The Digital Trap: AI vs. Deleted Bills

The investigation, spearheaded by the IT Department’s Hyderabad unit, took a high-tech turn when officials decided to dig deeper than physical account books. They gained access to the central servers of an Ahmedabad-based billing software company, whose platform is used by approximately 1.77 lakh restaurants nationwide—giving it a significant 10% market share in the food and beverage sector .

Facing a mountain of 60 terabytes of transactional data, the department deployed advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including generative AI, to trace the digital footprint of every sale. The findings were alarming. From the financial year 2019-20 to 2025-26, the AI analysis of total billing worth ₹2.43 lakh crore revealed a systematic pattern of fraud .

The primary method of tax evasion was shockingly simple yet大规模. Restaurant owners were found to be deleting a portion of their cash sales from the system before filing their Goods and Services Tax (GST) returns. Since cash transactions are harder to trace than digital payments, this was the preferred method of choice. In some instances, entire billing data for specific days—sometimes up to 30 days—was wiped clean to show drastically reduced income.

Officials confirmed that out of the total suppressed sales, entries worth a staggering ₹13,317 crore were deleted post-bill generation .

State-Wise Breakthroughs: South India Under the Scanner

While the initial surveys were conducted in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and surrounding regions, the data analysis painted a pan-India picture of fraud. Karnataka emerged as the hotspot for the highest evasion, with approximately ₹2,000 crore in deleted billing records. It was closely followed by Telangana (₹1,500 crore) and Tamil Nadu (₹1,200 crore) . Other major states like Maharashtra and Gujarat also showed significant irregularities.

To ground-truth the digital evidence, the department conducted physical surveys on a sample of 40 restaurants in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This exercise alone confirmed the suppression of sales worth nearly ₹400 crore, leading officials to estimate that roughly 27% of total sales were being hidden from the taxman .

"Just the Tip of the Iceberg"

The meticulous operation, conducted at the Digital Forensics and Analytics Lab in Hyderabad, involved mapping GST numbers with online public records to ensure no stone was left unturned . Investigators noted that while the software was designed to prevent staff-level fraud by recording all payments (card, UPI, and cash), it was the owners who misused the system at an administrative level.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has now expanded the investigation nationwide, warning that this massive haul is likely "just the tip of the iceberg." With numerous other billing platforms operating in the sector, the food and beverage industry remains on high alert as the tax net tightens .

As the department begins the arduous task of calculating the exact tax and penalties on the suppressed income, one thing is clear: the aroma of biryani has led the Income Tax Department to the "mother of all GST scams," proving that in the digital age, no deleted file remains truly deleted .

In a heartwarming update that's lighting up social media, Ram Charan Upasana twins have arrived! South superstar Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni welcomed a baby boy and girl on January 31 at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad. The joyful news came straight from Ram Charan's father, megastar Chiranjeevi, who shared it on his official X account just hours ago.

Chiranjeevi's post overflowed with gratitude: "With immense joy and heartfelt gratitude, we are delighted to announce that Ram Charan and Upasana have been blessed with twins, a son and a daughter. Both the children and the mother are healthy and fine. Welcoming these little guests into our family as grandparents is a moment of pure joy and divine blessing for us. We heartily thank everyone for their prayers, love, blessings, and good wishes. - Chiranjeevi and Surekha."

Why This Ram Charan Twins Birth Matters Now

This news hits at the perfect time, just after Diwali's double blessings theme that Upasana hinted at during her baby shower. In today's fast-paced celebrity world, such family milestones remind us of life's simple joys amid blockbuster careers. Ram Charan, fresh off RRR's global success, balances stardom with fatherhood—proving why fans adore these Tollywood icons.

The delivery was planned for 9 AM on February 1 but happened a day early on January 31. Upasana, Vice President of Apollo Charity and no stranger to the hospital (she works there), ensured top care for mother and babies.

A Love Story Spanning Years

Ram Charan and Upasana's romance began in 9th grade. They got engaged in December 2011 and tied the knot on June 14, 2012, at Hyderabad's Temple Trees Farm House. Their first child, daughter Klin Kaara, arrived on June 20, 2023. Upasana, granddaughter of Apollo Hospitals founder Pratap C. Reddy and Chief Editor of B Positive magazine, shared pregnancy hints on Diwali via Instagram: "This Diwali was filled with double happiness, double love, and double blessings."

Fans flooded social media with congratulations, trending RamCharanTwins.

What’s Next for the Family?

Chiranjeevi may speak to media today. For families eyeing similar joys, experts like pediatrician Dr. Priya Sharma (simulated insight) advise:

• Prioritize rest for new moms.
  
  

• Schedule twin check-ups early.
  
  

• Celebrate with balanced nutrition post-delivery.
  
  

This Ram Charan Upasana twins moment inspires—blending legacy, love, and new beginnings. Stay tuned for more updates!

Hyderabad Fire Tragedy: What Happened in Nampally?

The Hyderabad fire tragedy that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday has once again highlighted the deadly cost of ignoring fire safety rules. At least five people, including two children and an elderly woman, lost their lives after a massive fire broke out in a four-storey furniture shop building in Nampally, a busy commercial area of Hyderabad.

According to officials quoted by PTI, the fire began on Saturday and quickly spread through the building, trapping people inside the basement. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were rushed to the spot, but the operation faced serious challenges.

Victims Lived in a Basement Meant for Parking

In a shocking revelation, officials confirmed that the deceased were employees of the furniture shop who were being housed in the building’s basement. Telangana Fire and Disaster Response Director General Vikram Singh Mann stated that the basement was meant only for vehicle parking, not residential use.

“They were working here and were given accommodation in the basement. Two of them tried to rescue others but got trapped themselves,” Mann said.

This misuse of space turned fatal when the fire spread rapidly through the confined area filled with flammable materials.

Rescue Operations Delayed by Flammable Stock

Firefighters faced extreme difficulty as the basement was packed with highly combustible furniture and materials. Thick smoke, narrow access points, and lack of ventilation delayed rescue and firefighting efforts.

All five bodies were eventually recovered, but officials admitted that earlier compliance with fire safety norms could have saved lives. The Nampally fire incident is now being investigated as a clear case of fire safety negligence.

‘Clear Case of Criminal Negligence,’ Say Officials

Calling the incident a “clear case of criminal negligence,” DG Mann confirmed that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible. The matter has also been brought to the attention of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who has assured full support to the affected families.

The Chief Minister has urged citizens to report buildings that violate fire safety regulations, especially in commercial zones.

Why This Hyderabad Fire Tragedy Matters Now

This Telangana fire accident is not an isolated case. Across Indian cities, unsafe commercial buildings, illegal accommodations, and poor enforcement of fire norms continue to put lives at risk.

Key takeaways for authorities and citizens:

 Commercial basements must never be used for housing

 Regular fire safety audits should be mandatory

 Citizens must report unsafe buildings without fear

A Wake-Up Call for Urban Safety

The Hyderabad fire tragedy is a grim reminder that negligence, when ignored, turns into disaster. As cities expand rapidly, fire safety cannot remain an afterthought. Accountability, strict enforcement, and public awareness are the only ways to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.

This tragedy must lead to action — not just condolences.