Hyderabad, July 30

A controversy has erupted with a video going viral where Telangana Deputy Speaker Padma Rao Goud is seen stuffing a wad of currency notes into the mouth of a boy as “a gesture of appreciation” for the boys dancing at the local Bonalu festival celebrations in Secunderabad.

Child rights activists have termed the incident that took place last week as “insensitive”, while Goud termed it as “nothing wrong.” In the video, the boy is seen playing a percussion instrument as Goud watches. Goud then walks forward and stuffs a wad of currency notes into the boy’s mouth.

Children rights activist Revathi Devi, former member of the State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), has criticised Goud saying the act may have been one of appreciation, but the manner in which the currency was stuffed into the mouth of the boy clearly violates his personal space and child rights. However, Goud said, “It is a common practice in Telangana during functions.” — TNS