Video prompts criticism of Telangana Congress MLA

A video circulating online that appears to show Ibrahimpatnam Congress MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy touching a student during a bus interaction on October 6 has prompted criticism and calls for authorities to act. The footage has not been independently verified in the reports, and the student’s account is not included in the available material. Ranga Reddy was on a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation bus as he assessed the Mahalakshmi scheme, which provides free bus travel for women. Reports place the journey between Ibrahimpatnam and Yamjal. The circulating clip was described as showing the MLA holding or touching the student’s hand while speaking with her; some accounts say she appeared uncomfortable or tried to move away. Those descriptions rely on the same circulating footage, rather than independent verification. Ranga Reddy said the interaction had been misrepresented. He said the bus was turning and his hand moved behind the student, and described holding her hand as a respectful or affectionate gesture. He said he had boarded to learn about passengers’ experiences with the scheme and that students discussed overcrowding and the need for more buses.