Tension reportedly prevailed during the General Body meeting of the Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA). The Film Chamber premises turned chaotic amid heated arguments, pushing and shouting, leaving fellow film workers and industry elders shocked. Association president V.V. Sumalatha Devi has filed a complaint with the Banjara Hills police, alleging that some individuals physically attacked her and threatened to kill her.
According to the complaint, the incident took place during the association’s General Body meeting held at Raghava Guest House in Indiranagar. Sumalatha Devi alleged that some individuals had allegedly planned to disrupt the meeting and unlawfully take away important association records.
She stated that when some individuals attempted to take away the minutes book, agenda documents, and other important association records, she tried to stop them. She alleged that several women and other individuals surrounded and attacked her. She further alleged that association executive committee member M. Ramulu and a woman named Samili, who tried to intervene, were also attacked and injured.
Allegations against several individuals
In her complaint, Sumalatha Devi alleged that some female dancers associated with Raghu Master attacked her collectively as part of a pre-planned act. She alleged that she was severely beaten and verbally abused.
She named Likhitha, Poojitha, Kalyani, Sumathi, Vimala, Kokila, Madhurya, Shruthi, Sridevi and Yadukondala Srinu, among others, as those allegedly involved in the attack.
She also alleged that Shekar Master, Raghu Master, Bhanu Master, Ajay Sai Master and Joseph Prakash Master, among others, were attempting to create divisions within the existing association by trying to form another association. She expressed suspicion that Federation president Anil Kumar Vallabhaneni had encouraged or played a role in these developments and sought a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Death threats alleged
Sumalatha Devi alleged in her complaint that some individuals threatened to kill her if she did not resign from the post of association president. She expressed concern for her own safety as well as that of her family members and requested police protection.
Request to examine CCTV and mobile videos
She requested the police to collect and examine CCTV footage from Raghava Guest House, along with mobile phone videos and audio recordings related to the meeting, to establish the facts of the incident.
She also requested the recovery of the minutes book, agenda documents and other association records that she alleged had been taken away.
Sumalatha Devi urged the police to register cases against those allegedly involved in the attack under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws. She also sought an impartial investigation into the alleged role of those suspected to be behind the incident.
