It has been eight months since the gruesome murder of the CPI (M) senior leader Samineni Rama Rao at Patharlapadu village in Khammam district, but not a single person has been arrested in connection with the case so far, alleged senior CPI (M) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat.

Paying glowing tributes to the slain leader at his statue unveiling ceremony in Patharlapadu on Wednesday evening, Ms. Karat alleged that Comrade Rama Rao was murdered for fighting against capitalist forces and championing the rights of the landless poor.

Addressing the gathering, she described Rama Rao as a tireless crusader for the rights of landless poor, farmers, Dalits and other marginalised sections of society.

She alleged that he was killed because certain forces could not tolerate the growing influence of the CPI (M) and the red flag under his leadership.

She further alleged that those behind Rama Rao’s murder were being protected by the influential persons in the Congress government in Telangana.

“Let us pledge to continue our fight for justice and sustain our struggle until those responsible for the murder are brought to justice,” she said.

She criticised the persons at the helm in the Congress government for their alleged failure to ensure the arrest of the accused even after eight months of the incident.

Stating that Rama Rao’s ideals would continue to inspire people’s movements for the rights of the poor, farmers and other toiling sections.