Moves Court Over ‘Black Magic’ AllegationsHyderabad: Former minister T Harish Rao has filed a defamation case against TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud and the govt whip in the legislative council, Addanki Dayakar, for allegedly making baseless, defamatory remarks about him by distorting the purpose of his temple visit.Harish’s lawyers filed a criminal defamation complaint on Thursday before the special judicial first class magistrate court for elected representatives in Nampally. The complaint sought action against the two Congress leaders under Section 356 of the BNS, 2023. According to the complaint, the petitioners also submitted video evidence and newspaper clippings related to the alleged statements to the court on pen drives.Last month, Harish visited the Kollur Mookambika Devi Temple in Karnataka along with his family. The complaint states that he visited the temple as a Hindu devotee as part of a spiritual trip. However, Harish alleged that Mahesh Kumar Goud and Addanki Dayakar deliberately distorted the purpose of the visit and claimed that he had performed black magic rituals, wishing that rains should not fall in Telangana. The remarks were allegedly made at Gandhi Bhavan and subsequently reiterated through the media and social media.Harish said the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation and insulting his personal faith. The complainant further stated that the allegations were part of a broader attempt at political diversion. At a time when the BRS were questioning the Congress govt over the implementation of the six guarantees, irrigation projects, drought relief and farmers’ issues, the Congress leaders allegedly resorted to personal attacks to divert public attention, Harish added.Harish had already issued legal notices to both leaders through his lawyers last month, demanding that they withdraw their statements and issue an unconditional public apology. According to the complaint, Mahesh Kumar Goud allegedly refused to accept the legal notice, while Addanki Dayakar responded by defending his remarks. As the two leaders neither withdrew their statements nor apologised, Harish decided to approach the court.
