Hyderabad, India – In a turn of events that has caught the attention of both the Telugu film industry and the public, prominent actors Venkatesh Daggubati and Rana Daggubati, along with two other family members, have been booked by the Hyderabad police for the alleged illegal demolition of the Deccan Kitchen Hotel in Film Nagar. This incident has brought to light a complex dispute involving property leases, legal injunctions, and accusations of criminal activity.
Background of the Dispute
The land on which the Deccan Kitchen Hotel stood is owned by the Daggubati family. In 2014, they leased the property to businessman Nanda Kumar, who subsequently established and operated the hotel. However, disputes arose between the two parties, leading to legal battles. Nanda Kumar had previously filed a suit for injunction against the Daggubati family, which is still pending before the City Civil Court. An interim injunction order was in place, meant to prevent any changes to the property during the legal proceedings.
The Demolition and Legal Action
Despite the pending legal matters and the existing injunction, the Deccan Kitchen Hotel was demolished. While the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had conducted a partial demolition of the hotel and adjoining structures in November 2022, the Daggubati family allegedly carried out a complete demolition in January 2024. This action prompted Nanda Kumar to approach the court, claiming a financial loss of ₹20 crore due to the demolition, which he argued was in violation of existing court orders.
Following a local court’s directive, an FIR (First Information Report) was registered at the Filmnagar Police Station on January 11. The case has been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, house trespass, and other related charges. The accused named in the FIR are:
- D Suresh Babu: Producer and Venkatesh’s brother
- Venkatesh Daggubati: Actor
- Rana Daggubati: Actor and Suresh Babu’s son
- Abhiram Daggubati: Rana’s brother
Nanda Kumar’s Background
It’s noteworthy that Nanda Kumar himself has a history of legal entanglements. He was one of the accused in the alleged attempt to poach Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs in 2022, which gained significant political attention in Telangana. He was arrested in October 2022 and later granted bail.
Reactions and Implications
The involvement of prominent film personalities like Venkatesh and Rana Daggubati has amplified the attention surrounding this case. The Telugu film industry and the public are closely watching the developments, with various media outlets providing extensive coverage.
This incident raises several important questions:
- Violation of Court Orders: The primary concern is the alleged violation of the interim injunction order. If proven, this could have serious legal consequences for the accused.
- Property Rights and Disputes: The case highlights the complexities of property disputes, especially those involving leases and existing legal proceedings.
- Public Image: The involvement of well-known actors could impact their public image, depending on the outcome of the case.
Ongoing Investigation
The police have registered the FIR and are currently conducting an investigation into the matter. This will likely involve gathering evidence, recording statements from all parties involved, and examining relevant documents, including the lease agreement and court orders.
Final Thought
The case of the Deccan Kitchen Hotel demolition is a complex legal matter with significant implications. The involvement of prominent figures from the Telugu film industry has brought it into the public spotlight. As the investigation progresses and the legal proceedings unfold, the public and the media will be keenly observing the developments and the final outcome. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal procedures and respecting court orders in property disputes.
