VIJAYAWADA: A dispute over a household water connection turned into a shocking act of violence in Guntur city after a 46-year-old woman was allegedly stripped, assaulted and publicly humiliated by a group of people, including a local Telugu Desam Party (TDP) functionary. The incident, which occurred in Krishnababu Colony under Nagarampalem police station limits, has sparked widespread outrage across Andhra Pradesh and prompted swift action from both the police and the state government.According to police, the dispute began over a water motor installed near the woman’s house. The victim, who has been living in the locality for several years, had fixed a motor on the pipeline supplying water to her residence. After the municipal authorities laid a cement road in the area, local TDP leader Mallela Venkata Ramana Murthy allegedly demanded that she remove the motor, claiming it obstructed the road.The woman reportedly refused, arguing that the motor did not interfere with the newly laid road. Although municipal officials inspected the site, they reportedly found no obstruction. However, the disagreement escalated into a heated argument. Fearing trouble, the woman approached the Nagarampalem Police Station and complained that Ramana Murthy had threatened her.Police said that shortly after she returned from the police station, a group allegedly led by Ramana Murthy, along with several others, including a transgender relative identified as Madhavi, attacked the woman. She was allegedly dragged out of her house, thrown to the ground, beaten, verbally abused and stripped during the assault. Local residents rushed to her rescue, forcing the attackers to flee. The victim was later taken to the police station, where another complaint was lodged.Police have registered a case against eight persons in connection with the incident. Mallela Venkata Ramana Murthy has been arrested, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.The incident also led to departmental action against Nagarampalem Circle Inspector Satyanarayana, who was transferred to the Vacancy Reserve (VR) by the Guntur Range Inspector General after he was found to have failed in promptly registering the case and initiating appropriate action.The incident drew a strong reaction from chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who described the assault as “deeply disturbing” and said the humiliation of any woman would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He directed officials to ensure immediate and stringent legal action against all those involved.The chief minister also announced that the accused TDP functionary had been suspended from the party. Stressing that the law is equal for everyone, Naidu said no individual would receive protection because of political affiliation and warned that those attempting to misuse the name of any political party to commit crimes would face strict legal consequences.The incident has once again raised serious concerns over women’s safety and the need for swift action against crimes involving public humiliation and violence against women. Police said the investigation is continuing and further arrests are likely.