Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. At least 20 policemen and several Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and ruling YSRCP workers were injured in stone pelting and arson during Chandrababu Naidu’s visit to Chittoor district on Friday. Police gave this information. According to the police, 13 policemen have been seriously injured and are undergoing treatment at the government hospital in Chittoor city.
No need for CrPC 144
Chittoor district superintendent of police Y. Rishanth Reddy told ‘PTI-Bhasha’ late night that the situation is now under control and there is no need for section 144 of CrPC at present. Police said that along with Naidu’s TDP, many supporters of the ruling YSRCP were also injured. Naidu is on the ‘Yuddh Bheri’ tour aimed at highlighting the alleged failure of the YS Jaganmohan Reddy government in completing irrigation projects in various districts. These projects were started during the Chief Ministership of Naidu.
Fierce stone pelting incident on the way to Punganur
Chittoor district Superintendent of Police Y Rishanth Reddy told PTI, “An incident of gruesome stone-pelting has come to light on the way to Punganur where more than 20 policemen, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police, were attacked.” Violent clashes broke out after Naidu allegedly made derogatory remarks while delivering a speech at a rally at Mulkalacheruvu in Annamayya district, they said. In that rally, Naidu called Thambalapalle MLA P Dwarkanath Reddy as ‘Ravana’.
TDP workers pelted stones
Reddy said that reacting to these remarks, the supporters of the ruling party blocked Angallu road in Chittoor while Naidu was also moving towards there. According to the Superintendent of Police, TDP workers then pelted stones in which many supporters from both sides were injured. He said that in a riot-like situation, the police lathi-charged and dispersed the crowd.
Security beefed up for next rally
Anticipating law and order problems during Naidu’s next rally scheduled in Punganur, the police barricaded the entrance to the town and allowed the roadshow to pass through the bypass. The Superintendent of Police said TDP workers who were waiting for Naidu there allegedly attacked the police and set the bus and Vajra vehicle on fire. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. Meanwhile, Naidu slammed the YSRCP for the alleged attack on TDP workers.