PNS | GUNTUR
Tension prevailed in Vinukonda in Palnadu district on Thursday as clashes erupted between activists of the ruling YSRCP and the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The situation became so intense that the police had to fire shots in the air to disperse the warring groups who were raising slogans and throwing stones at each other during the three-hour-long clash.
The clash ensued when TDP activists organised a rally demanding the withdrawal of cases filed against their senior leader and former MLA, GV Anjaneyulu, along with other party leaders. Meanwhile, YSRCP MLA Bolla Brahmanaidu was also traveling on the same road.
As the TDP activists attempted to surround Brahmanaidu’s car, YSRCP activists intervened, resulting in a violent confrontation. Both groups resorted to stone-pelting and used sticks to attack each other.
To control the situation, Circle Inspector Sambasiva Rao fired a warning shot in the air using his service revolver.
Subsequently, the police used lathis to disperse the clashing activists. Some TDP activists reportedly sustained injuries from the stone-pelting and the police action and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The TDP activists, led by ex-MLA Anjaneyulu, have been holding protest agitations for the past few months against the alleged illegal mining of sand and soil by YSRCP MLA Bolla Brahmanaidu.
Earlier, the police had registered cases against TDP leaders, including Anjaneyulu, for organizing protests against the alleged illegal mining activities involving the ruling party MLA. The rally held on Thursday was in demand for the withdrawal of these cases.
Speaking to the media, TDP leader Anjaneyulu expressed his grievances, stating that they had lodged a complaint against the illegal mining of sand and soil on government lands by YSRCP MLA Brahmanaidu. However, instead of addressing their concerns, false cases were filed against them. He accused the ruling party MLA of instigating the activists during their peaceful protests.
On the other hand, the YSRCP leaders refuted the TDP’s version of events, claiming that it was the TDP activists who attempted to attack Brahamanaidu, and they were simply defending themselves.
As a precautionary measure, internet services were briefly suspended, and Section 144 was imposed in the town. The police have filed cases against activists from both the TDP and YSRCP.
In another development, the Yuvagalam padayatra of TDP national general secretary Nara Lokesh was scheduled to enter Vinukonda town. TDP leaders accused YSRCP of orchestrating the violence to disrupt Lokesh’s padayatra.
