Land acquisition for a Pharma Village project in Telangana Chief Minister’s constituency has sparked violent protests from farmers and tribals, culminating in the attack on Vikarabad District Collector and other government officials in Lagcherla village. With over a dozen tribals arrested in connection with the incident, local residents fearing police action, are fleeing their homes, leaving behind children and the elderly. P. Laxma Reddy and N. Ravi Kumar analyse the unfolding drama which has assumed political overtone