Tension in Kadapa: police take some youths into preventive custody

Tensions erupted in parts of Kadapa on Saturday and spilled over into Sunday, May 10, when two groups disagreed over naming a traffic island in the city after a symbol of their choice.

As may be remembered, some people were demanding that Almaspet Circle be named after Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore who died in the war against the British. Meanwhile, another group reportedly wants the same circle to be renamed as Hanuman Circle, taking exception to the ‘undue praise’ given to what they call a tyrannical ruler.

However, it was claimed that the problem flared up after some social media posts pitted one community against another, causing tension in the city. It was reported that when the two groups gathered in large numbers in Almaspet and started throwing stones at each other, a large police team, anticipating trouble, resorted to lathi charge to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, police reportedly detained some youths in preventive detention to de-escalate tensions.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke said they took some youths into preventive custody after identifying them as troublemakers. However, no arrests were made. Mr. Nachiket, along with district Collector Sridhar Cherukuri, held talks with the peace committee comprising representatives of both groups and called for restraint.

Meanwhile, former MLA and YSRCP Kadapa constituency incharge Amzath Basha appealed to the police to release all the arrested youths and take action only against those found to be involved in any antisocial activities.

Similarly, State BJP President PVN Madhav appealed to the State government to bring the situation under control and asked the police department not to allow tensions to escalate in any way. He also took exception to the allegation that a police officer acted harshly towards a BJP worker who was beaten for an unknown reason.

TDP MLA and Government whip R. Madhavi Reddy appealed to both communities to show restraint and pointed out the communal harmony followed in Kadapa for generations. He appealed to them not to fall prey to the evil designs of anti-social elements trying to ‘disrupt the peace and development of Kadapa’.