Visakhapatnam: High tension prevailed in Palasa, a commercial town in Srikakulam district, after revenue officials started a demolition drive against illegal buildings around midnight on Thursday. Several TD leaders tried to stop the demolition and were detained.
Protests erupted with hundreds of people, including women and activists of political parties, opposing the demolitions when bulldozers rolled into the area near Srinivasa Nagar (27th Ward in the Palasa town) in the presence of heavy police force.
Officials said the houses were built illegally in the lake-bed in violation of high court orders. The locals entered into heated arguments with the officials, saying they were living in the area for over four decades and have been paying electricity bills and property tax.
When the demolition squad reached near the house of local TD leader Suryanarayana, who is vice-chairman of municipality, the protesters squatted in front of the bulldozers. They alleged political vendetta.
An old woman fell at the feet of Palasa tahsildar Madhusudhan Rao, pleading with him not to demolish the houses.
Meanwhile, leaders of the ruling YSRC reached there. Heated arguments between the TD and YSRC leaders caused further tension in the area.
Ichapuram TD MLA Bendalam Ashok, who was arrested and sent to Mandasa police station, blamed the ruling party for the police action. Police detained the MLA before he entered the town and lodged him at Mandasa police station.
TD state president K. Atchennaidu and Srikakulam MP Rammohan Naidu were also not allowed to enter Palasa town.
In view of the protests, the bulldozers were withdrawn and the operation was put on hold.
Revenue officials said the local court had sought details about the encroachments on the lake-bed. They said 52 houses were illegally built and told the dwellers that if they give their objections in writing the same would be conveyed to the High Court.
