YSRCP MLC, 8 others get jail in tonsure case

An SC/ST court in Visakhapatnam convicted YSRCP MLC Thota Trimurthulu in a case of tonsuring two Dalit youths on Dec 29, 1996. He and eight others were sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment and fined Rs 42,000 each for the assault that happened 27 years ago. Trimurthulu is the party’s candidate for Mandapet assembly seat in Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh. The state votes in simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls on May 13. Despite the conviction, Trimurthulu’s position as a member of the AP legislative council remains unaffected as the court suspended the sentence to allow him to appeal within a month the order in a higher court. This ruling prevents his disqualification, as those convicted for two years or more face disqualification from contesting elections.