Vijayawada: Tension mounted as supporters of the Opposition Telugu Desam and ruling YSRC clashed with sticks and missiles, forcing the police to open fire in the air to disperse the crowds at Vinukonda in Palnadu district on Thursday.
Former TD MLA from Vinukonda, G.V.S. Anjaneyulu had trespassed into the private property of Vinukonda YSCR MLA Bolla Naidu two days ago, alleging illegal mining of soil. Based on a complaint from MLA Bolla Naidu, the police booked a case against Anjaneyulu on charges of trespass.
TD supporters took out a rally to express their protest over the police action against Bolla Naidu, claiming it was a false case. By the time their rally reached near the RTC Bus Stand, the MLA was on his way to attend some programme with his supporters.
After noticing the presence of MLA Bolla Naidu, TD supporters rushed towards his car and blocked his way. They raised slogans against him. The MLA got down from his car and threw a challenge to the TD supporters to come for a debate on the alleged illegal mining.
With this, the supporters from TD and YSRC clashed. The police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse them. A while later, Vinukonda town circle-inspector Sambasiva Rao pulled out his service revolver and fired a bullet into the air to warn the mob and bring the situation under control.
A large posse of police personnel rushed there and brought the situation under control.
Palnadu SP Ravi Reddy said, “Now, the situation in the town is perfectly under control.” A ban on assembly was promulgated on the town for maintenance of law and order, he added.
