A non-bailable warrant now hangs over Telangana Minister Konda Surekha. The Nampally Special Court for Public Representatives issued the order after she skipped the hearing scheduled for recording evidence in the defamation case filed by BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR).
How the dispute started
Surekha recently made sharp allegations against actor Nagarjuna’s family and against KTR. Both parties rejected her remarks as false and defamatory. They filed separate defamation cases. Surekha later apologised to Nagarjuna’s family, and they withdrew their case. But KTR refused to accept any apology from her.
KTR’s ₹100-crore claim
KTR filed a ₹100-crore defamation suit. His legal team said Surekha deliberately targeted him for political gain. They argued that her remarks were not normal criticism but a direct attack on his reputation.
Surekha had to attend court when the judge began recording evidence. She did not appear, so the court issued the non-bailable warrant.
Political heat rises
The warrant triggered sharp political reactions in Telangana. Opposition leaders questioned the minister’s absence in court. They also asked why the government stayed silent if her claims were true. The issue added further pressure on Surekha, who already faces criticism over earlier controversial statements on phone tapping and internal party matters.
Will she apologise to KTR?
Surekha ended the dispute with Nagarjuna through an apology. Many now wonder if she will take the same route with KTR. She previously said she would fight the case legally and ruled out any apology. With the NBW now in place, her next move remains uncertain.
What happens next?
Legal experts say an NBW does not lead to immediate arrest. But the minister must attend the next hearing without fail. She also needs to apply for conditional bail.
The case will come up again on February 5. Her presence that day is crucial. The outcome may trigger more political twists in Telangana. As the date approaches, political tension is set to rise even further.
