Andhra Pradesh protesters’ huts burnt, loss estimated at Rs 15 lakh

Kakinada: As many as 150 fishermen’s huts were gutted near the Deep Water Port at Kakinada Port on Sunday night.

The huts, near Mahakumbhabhishekam temple, were used to stock fish.

Revenue officials said the reason for the fire is not known yet. The estimated loss was Rs 15 lakh.

Fishermen in the area as well as at Kakinada had been protesting the construction of a seventh berth at the port as they were afraid that they would be shunted out from where they stored their fish after the berth was completed.

Fire engines of Kakinada Sea Ports Limited, aided by the fire department, put out the flames.

Revenue divisional officer B.R. Ambedkar, Kaki-nada MLA Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao and others visited the spot.

Deputy Chief Minister Nimmakayala China Rajappa of Andhra Pradesh has ordered a probe into the incident.