A Congress worker was allegedly set on fire by a rowdysheeter in Telangana’s Warangal district on Saturday night following an alleged personal dispute. The incident took place in Kotilingala village of Geesugonda mandal in the Vardhannapet constituency. According to police, the victim, Adepu Mahesh, was called to a meeting by fellow Congress worker Jannu Madhu. When Mahesh reached the location, the accused, identified as Pati Kumar, allegedly poured petrol on him and set him ablaze. Local residents rushed to the spot and managed to extinguish the flames, saving Mahesh’s life. Police have registered a case of attempt to murder under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

In a video recorded after the incident, Mahesh claimed that Madhu had assured him it was safe to come because the area was under Congress influence. He alleged that upon reaching the spot, he found Kumar sitting under a streetlight in an intoxicated condition. Mahesh said Kumar questioned him about what he had told the local MLA before attacking him. The victim denied making any complaints against the MLA and stated that the legislator had only urged everyone to maintain peace. Mahesh further accused the police of failing to protect him and appealed for strict action against the accused, expressing fears for his safety.

Mahesh, who said he has been associated with the Congress party for the past 26 years, claimed he had worked tirelessly for the party’s success in Telangana but received little support in return. He appealed to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to ensure the safety of his family if anything were to happen to him. Meanwhile, Geesugonda police stated that the attack stemmed from a personal dispute and confirmed that the accused, Pati Kumar, is absconding. Police also revealed that Kumar is a convicted murderer who was out on bail at the time of the incident, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.