Harish Rao files defamation case against Mahesh Goud and Addanki Dayakar - The HinduPublished - September 17, 2026 11:41 pm ISTBRS Legislature Party Deputy Floor Leader T. Harish Rao has filed a defamation case against TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and Government Whip Addanki Dayakar for allegedly making defamatory and baseless remarks against him by distorting his visit to a temple.Mr. Rao’s lawyers filed the criminal defamation complaint before the Special Judicial First Class Magistrate Court for elected representatives at Nampally. The complaint seeks action against the two Congress leaders under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.Video evidence and newspaper clippings related to the alleged statements were also submitted to the court through pen drives, according to the complaint.Last month, Harish Rao visited the Kollur Mookambika Devi Temple in Karnataka along with his family. The complaint states that he visited the temple as a Hindu and a devotee as part of a spiritual trip.However, Harish Rao alleged that Mahesh Kumar Goud and Addanki Dayakar deliberately distorted the visit and made allegations that he had performed black magic rituals wishing that rains should not fall in Telangana. The remarks were allegedly made at Gandhi Bhavan and repeated through the media and social media.Published - September 17, 2026 11:41 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }