YSRCP & TDP workers clash in Andhra, vehicles torched; Sec 144 imposed

Amravati, December 17: Section 144 was imposed in Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu town after supporters of the ruling YSRCP clashed with members of the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Friday.

 

Vehicles were set ablaze and widespread vandalism was reported as the two rival groups pelted stones and engaged each other with weapons. However, the situation was later brought under control, the police department confirmed.

 

 

Shocking visuals from the spot showed members of people attacking each other using sticks and stones. People who fell down were not spared and got further attacked. Police personnel on the ground was caught on camera lathi-charging the mob in order to disperse them.

 

 

 

TDP leader Julakanti Brahma Reddy was arrested by the police in connection with the incident news agency ANI reported. He was leading the ‘Idhemi Karma’ programme in Palnadu's Macherla town when the violence broke out.

 

 

 

"This is a purely factional fight, not a political fight. These factional attacks have continued in this area for the past 20 to 30 years. As part of pre-emptive measures, a cordon search was conducted there from today morning. as people with a criminal history of faction related to Veldurthi were living in Macherla town," said the SP.

 

"Those involved have been nabbed. Situation under control, Section 144 implemented in the town," he added.

 

More arrests are expected to be made in the morning. The police official hinted at the involvement of some leaders "staying in nearby villages in Macherla town" in invoking the "factional" violence.

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