In 1996, Thota Trimurthulu, then an Independent MLA in undivided Andhra Pradesh, allegedly humiliated two Dalit youths and beat up three others for opposing him during assembly polls
More than 27 years after five Dalit youths were assaulted and two of them had their hair and eyebrows tonsured on December 29, 1996, a special court in Visakhapatnam Tuesday sentenced Thota Trimurthulu, who is currently a Member of Legislative Council (MLC) of the ruling YSR Congress Party, and a candidate from the Mandapeta Assembly constituency for the upcoming elections, to 18 months in prison.
Trimurthulu was also fined Rs 1.5 lakh delaying the proceedings of the SC/ST Court in Visakhapatnam.
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