RAJANNA-SIRCILLA: A contractor from Maharashtra allegedly kidnapped the mother of a bricklayer at Kodimunja R&R Colony in Vemulawada Urban mandal on Wednesday, sparking widespread shock and outrage.

According to sources, Pallapu Srinivas and his brother, both masons from Kodumunja village, recently had an argument with Lalu Nago Rao and Dayarangalod, contractors from Maharashtra, to harvest sugarcane in Karnataka. Additionally, Lalu paid them an advance of Rs 3.8 lakh as part of their employment agreement.

However, after working for a few days, the brothers returned to their native place. Lalu reportedly began demanding the money he had paid back. When the brothers did not respond to his calls, Lalu allegedly sent his wife Panchatula and his followers to intimidate them. They threatened the family, saying they would take Bheema Bhai, Srinivas’s mother, if the money was not returned.

Frustrated, Lalu and his followers reached Kodimunja village on Wednesday morning. A heated argument ensued between them and Srinivas’s family, during which Lalu’s group allegedly dragged Bheema Bai in a car and drove away.

At the time of the incident, Srinivas and his brother were reportedly working in Chhattisgarh, where they had signed another agreement.

Sources claimed there had been disputes between the brothers and local workers over unfulfilled tasks, which may have increased tension with the contractor.

SP Akhil Mahajan claimed that Bheema Bai’s grandson lodged a complaint and Vemulawada city police have registered a case. Search teams have been formed to nab Lalu and his associates.

The incident has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the contractor’s actions and the treatment of an elderly woman. Authorities have promised swift action to bring perpetrators to justice.

Vemulawada CI B Veera Prasad said the teams arrested Lalu and his wife Panchatula and took them into judicial custody. In addition, four people are fugitives.