HYDERABAD (February 22, 2026) — Police in Nagarkurnool district have arrested four individuals in connection with the death of a two-month-old infant following an alleged assault on a family at a local temple fair. The incident, which took place on February 18 in Kummera village, reportedly began with a dispute over entry fees and escalated into a violent altercation involving caste-based slurs. Whilst the infant succumbed to injuries on February 21, authorities have registered a case of suspicious death and are awaiting post-mortem results to confirm the exact cause of the tragedy.
Allegations of Caste-Based Violence
According to a complaint filed by the infant’s mother, Chilikeshwaram Mounika, and grandmother, Chandrakala, the family was targeted by a group of villagers during the Kummera Jathara (temple fair). The family, belonging to the backward Chakali community, alleged they were refused entry to the temple unless they paid a 100-rupee fee, which is usually free for devotees.
The family claimed that upon their refusal, they were verbally abused with caste-based slurs and physically assaulted. Chandrakala stated that women were dragged by their hair and struck with metal rods. The family alleged the infant was harmed when Mounika placed the child at the feet of the attackers to plead for mercy.
Police Action and Counter-Claims
The Nagarkurnool police have arrested four suspects, identified in reports as being part of the group involved in the scuffle. Initially, the case was booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for voluntarily causing hurt and intentional insult. However, following the infant’s death and the revelation that Mounika belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC) community, the police have added sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and charges of attempted murder.
Conversely, a villager from the opposing group filed a counter-complaint on the day of the incident. He alleged that he sustained a head injury after being attacked with stones by the family during the scuffle. A separate FIR has been registered against members of the family based on this report.
Investigative Status and Public Reaction
The Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Nagarkurnool stated that there were no visible external injuries on the infant’s body at the time of the report. A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and further legal steps will depend on the forensic findings.
The incident has sparked significant political and social concern. Former MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha and members of the Dharma Samaj Party (DSP) have expressed support for the family, with the latter staging protests outside the Nagarkurnool Government Hospital. The family has reportedly taken refuge in Nagarkurnool town, citing fears of further retaliation if they return to their village.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Telangana: Four arrested after family alleges infant died following assault by villagers” (February 22, 2026)
- Times of India: “‘Caste’ attack at Telangana temple fair leaves 2-month-old dead” (February 23, 2026)
- ANI News: “K Kavitha expresses shock over infant’s death in alleged caste clash” (February 22, 2026)
- The Hindu: “NHRC registers case after infant’s death in ‘caste assault’ at Nagarkurnool” (February 23, 2026)
Protest for Justice in Nagarkurnool This video captures the public demonstration and sit-in protest led by local leaders and family members in front of the Nagarkurnool police station, demanding immediate action against those responsible for the infant’s death.
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