Thu Mar 20 08:00:00 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh Assembly Session Highlights and Other Breaking News (March 20, 2025)**

AMARAVATI, Andhra Pradesh – The Andhra Pradesh Assembly commenced its session today, March 20, 2025, with a range of significant developments unfolding both within and outside the legislative house.

**Key Developments:**

* **Film Chamber Responds to Betting App Controversy:** The Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber issued a statement urging celebrities to avoid actions that could harm the public, specifically addressing the involvement of some actors in promoting betting apps. Vishnu Priya’s statement admitting to receiving large sums for promoting 15 betting apps via Instagram has created a significant stir. Police have seized her bank statements and mobile phone.

* **Major Naxalite Encounter:** A major encounter between security forces and Naxalites in Bijapur district resulted in the death of 29 Maoists. One DRG soldier also lost his life in the encounter. A significant amount of weaponry was recovered.

* **High Court Dismisses Case Against Bandi Sanjay:** The High Court dismissed a case filed against BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar in connection with alleged hate speech during the GHMC elections in 2020. The court cited lack of evidence and inconsistencies in witness testimonies.

* **Debate on SC Sub-categorization:** MLA Nakka Anand Babu initiated a discussion in the Assembly regarding the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes, advocating for a future categorization based on 2026 census data.

* **Indian Researcher Detained in US:** An Indian researcher, Badar Khan Suri, was arrested in Virginia and faces deportation due to alleged links with the Hamas organization. Authorities are working to return him to India. This follows the recent self-deportation of another Indian student, Ranjani Srinivasan, amidst similar allegations.

* **AP Assembly Question Hour:** The Assembly’s Question Hour focused on central government schemes, with MLA Doolipaala Narendra highlighting a pending ₹7200 crore. Discrepancies were noted between reported pending funds and actual disbursements.

* **Speaker’s Stern Warning:** Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu issued a strong reprimand to seven YSRCP MLAs for allegedly forging attendance records. He criticized this behavior and urged them to attend sessions properly.

* **Punjab Border Tensions:** Tensions continue at the Shambu-Khanauri border in Punjab, with farmers protesting against the central government. Police have cleared protest sites and arrested several leaders.

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly session continues, with further updates expected throughout the day.

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