Tension in Tadipatri As Police Stop Rival Protests

Anantapur: Tension prevailed in Tadipatri on Friday after police denied permission to both the YSRC and the Telugu Desam (TD) to hold protest programmes, citing law and order concerns following recent political violence in the town.

The YSRC had planned a silent dharna near the Gandhi statue, alleging an attempt to murder party leader Gangulakunta Keshava Reddy and demanding action against those responsible. The TD had also called for a protest, accusing the YSRC of targeting its leaders during the previous five-year regime.

Police denied permission for both programmes and served notices on leaders of the two parties.

Former Tadipatri MLA and YSRC in-charge K. Pedda Reddy alleged that the police were acting in favour of the TD and announced that he would stage a protest near his residence in Tilak Nagar. YSRC leaders and cadres from across Anantapur district attempted to reach Tadipatri in support of the protest.

Police prevented the gathering and attempted to shift Pedda Reddy to Anantapur. However, YSRC workers blocked the road using cement benches. Police dispersed the protesters with a lathi charge and escorted Pedda Reddy back to his residence in Tadipatri.

Police also stopped YSRC leaders travelling from Anantapur and detained them near the party office in the HLC Canal area. District YSRC president Ananta Venkatarami Reddy and Uravakonda in-charge Y. Visweswara Reddy were taken into preventive custody.

Meanwhile, TD workers assembled at the residence of municipal chairman J.C. Prabhakar Reddy in response to the party’s call for a protest.

Additional police forces were deployed across Tadipatri to prevent any untoward incidents. Additional Superintendent of Police Rohith Chowdary supervised the bandobast.

Police said the restrictions were imposed solely to maintain peace and public order in view of the recent political clashes. No major incident was reported during the day, though the town remained tense under heavy security.