Capital city no longer an issue in Andhra Pradesh
Ten years after its bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh still does not have a capital. But what’s more surprising is that the lack of capital has even ceased to be an issue in this election.
Relatives and supporters of two Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders who were killed by Maoists today torched two police stations Andhra Pradesh accusing the police of “failing” to protect the leaders.
Mobs attacked Araku and Dumbriguda police stations in Visakhapatnam district and set fire to vehicles, furniture and other articles lying there.
As police tried to prevent the protestors from damaging the stations, a clash ensued in which one cop was injured. The fury of the mob reportedly forced the police to retreat.
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Earlier today, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA from Araku, K Sarveswara Rao, 45, and his party colleague and former MLA Siveri Soma, 52, were gunned down by Maoists near Thutangi village, about 125 km from Visakhapatnam.
Read More: Sitting TDA MLA shot dead by Maoists in Andhra Pradesh
District Collector said that Sarveswara Rao’s supporters are not letting the authorities move his body.
“His body is at TDP party office in Araku. His supporters aren’t letting us move his body. We’re in talks with his family and will decide accordingly,” the DC was quoted as saying by ANI.
Reacting to the killings, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently visiting the United States, expressed shock over the incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
He also directed senior Cabinet colleague Kala Venkatrao to rush to the district. His party said that such incidents are a “scar on humanity”.
Meanwhile, security along the Odisha border has been tightened following the attack.
RP Koche, IG Operation (Anti-Naxal activities), Odisha, told ANI that BSF,SOG, CRPF and other state forces have been put on alert following the killing of the TDP leaders by Naxals.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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