13 police personnel,including a DSP, injured in incident
PNS | Chittoor
A clash between ruling YSRCP and Opposition TDP activists turned violent at Angallu village in Kurabalakota mandal of Annamayya district on Friday. In response to the escalating confrontation, police resorted to firing in the air, tear gas, and lathi-charge to disperse the agitated mobs.
The clash resulted in the destruction of public property, including two police vehicles and the windshields of 20 cars. Approximately 60 people, including some police personnel, were injured during the stone-pelting incident, with TDP Kottapalli MPTC Devendra among those injured.
The tension at Angallu village began when a lorry was used to block the road, preventing TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu from proceeding to Punganur. Naidu had planned to visit all irrigation projects in the State to highlight their poor condition and lack of maintenance by the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government.
As the situation escalated, both TDP and YSRCP activists gathered at the scene, resulting in a clash between the two groups. In an attempt to disperse the crowd, the police used rubber bullets and lathi-charge.
TDP leaders accused YSRCP activists of damaging cars in Naidu’s convoy by pelting stones and tearing down TDP banners. Naidu, after ensuring the injured activists received medical attention, alleged that Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy was responsible for the attack on TDP activists.
Earlier, when Naidu reached the Punganur bypass road, he was warmly welcomed with a giant garland, and Black Cat commandos were present to ensure his security during his address to the crowd.
Chittoor district SP Rishant Reddy reported that over 13 police personnel, including a DSP, were injured in the violence. The police had made security arrangements according to Naidu’s schedule but were not informed when the route was changed.
SP Reddy stated, “Some TDP activists hurled stones and liquor bottles at the police, resulting in injuries to 13 personnel. The police exercised restraint, and opening fire in the air was necessary to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Approximately 50 individuals were injured in the violence and have been shifted to hospitals for treatment.”
The situation remained tense for over two hours as authorities worked to restore order in the area. Further investigations into the incident are underway.
‘Some TDP activists hurled stones and liquor bottles at the police, resulting in injuries to 13 personnel. The police exercised restraint, and opening fire in the air was necessary to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Approximately 50 individuals were injured in the violence and have been shifted to hospitals for treatment’ — SP Rishant Reddy, Chittoor district.
