TDP MLA’s Followers Vandalise Toll Plaza in AP, Assault Staff Over Delay
Gandaboyinapalle (Andhra Pradesh): Followers of TDP MLA A Surendra Babu allegedly attacked the toll plaza workers in Annamayya area over delay in cleaning his vehicle at the toll plaza. Videos of the attack went viral on the internet, in which the TDP MLA’s security personnel and followers allegedly physically assaulted, kicked, dragged and pushed toll booth workers, including a woman.
“Surendra Babu’s followers vandalized the Gandaboyinapalle toll plaza after his vehicle was briefly stopped at the toll plaza,” a police official told PTI on Monday. he said.
According to the police, the MLA’s vehicle reached the toll plaza around 9.45 am on April 25 and was allegedly not allowed to pass immediately, following which tensions increased at the plaza on the route between Tirumala and Madanapalle.
The toll management said there was a delay as the two vehicles in front made online payments and staff tried to resolve the issue when the MLA’s luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) arrived. The MLA was traveling towards his constituency from Tirumala.
Gandaboyinapalle toll plaza manager N Ravi Babu (29) said that the two vehicles in front made online payments and when the escort vehicle arrived, the toll plaza staff explained the matter to the MLA. He said that the people in the vehicle thought it was an argument and immediately attacked.
“As soon as they (followers) arrived, they forcibly broke the toll barrier, vandalized the toll booth and then attacked female staff M Srilatha (24),” the manager said.
He also said that the attackers also pulled Srilatha’s hair during the attack. Ravi Babu said that he was preparing a report in his office and went out after noticing the disturbance, but one of his followers came upstairs and dragged him down.
The manager, who said that he was dragged downstairs and brutally beaten, stated that although they repeatedly asked what happened, the attackers did not listen and attacked. Meanwhile, the police launched an investigation into the incident and the investigation continues.
