Jana Sena MLA Faces Sexual Harassment Allegations, Denies Charges
Jana Sena Party MLA from Railway Koduru, Arava Sridhar, has come under scrutiny following serious sexual harassment allegations made by a woman employee from the same constituency. The accusations, shared through voice notes and a video statement, have spread widely on social media.
The woman alleged that she was subjected to harassment and abuse by the MLA for nearly one-and-a-half years. She claimed that she approached Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on January 15, 2026, seeking justice and intervention to ensure such incidents do not recur. According to her, the allegations she has made are true and stem from prolonged mental and physical distress.
In her statement, she alleged that the MLA first contacted her on June 14, 2024, via the Telegram app and later sent inappropriate messages, including demands for explicit photos and video calls. She further claimed that when she resisted, he allegedly threatened to misuse his political influence to transfer her from her job and initiate departmental action, besides issuing threats against her family.
The woman also alleged that the MLA pressured her into a relationship with promises of marriage. She claimed that during this period she became pregnant multiple times and underwent abortions. According to her, on January 7, 2026, the MLA allegedly told her he would not marry her and warned her to take whatever steps she wished.
Although she has not yet lodged a formal police complaint, the woman stated that she intends to pursue legal action until justice is delivered.
Responding to the allegations, MLA Arava Sridhar released a video statement late at night, categorically denying all charges. He described the accusations as false and politically motivated, asserting that he has maintained an unblemished public life throughout his political career, including his tenure as Sarpanch in 2021.
He claimed that he and his family had been harassed by the woman for over a year and said that his mother recently filed a complaint against her. He maintained that the allegations were aimed at tarnishing his reputation and said he would cooperate fully with any investigation.
Railway Koduru Circle Inspector Chandrasekhar confirmed that a case was registered against the woman on January 7, based on a complaint lodged by the MLA’s mother, Prameela. Speaking to the media along with Jana Sena state leader Tatamsetti Nagendra, Prameela defended her son, asserting his innocence. She alleged that the woman frequently visited their residence, even during late hours, and harassed the family. She also claimed that the woman initially sought the family’s support before pressuring her son to marry her.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja said the Commission has taken serious note of the allegations. In a statement, she said she personally spoke with the complainant to gather details and assured that a thorough inquiry would be conducted to ascertain the facts, with appropriate action to follow based on the findings.