The Anantapur district police has arrested three Telugu Desam Party leaders for allegedly passing over the weapons of their security guards to the outlawed People's War group of Naxalites.
Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar has placed the three security guards -- constables of the district armed reserve police force -- under suspension for handing over their weapons -- two carbines and a pistol -- to the Naxalites.
The police registered criminal cases at the Ramagiri police station against L Narayana Chowdary, D Chaman and Parandhamaiah, who are all close associates of TDP MLA and former minister Paritala Ravi.
According to the police, the Naxalites had allegedly 'abducted' Narayana Chowdary, a close relative of Paritala Ravi, from his village, but released him after torching his vehicle.
The Naxalites attacked Chaman's house in Ramagiri mandal but left him unharmed. Parandhamaiah also did not suffer any injuries or humiliation.
The police charged the trio with conspiracy under section 120B and other offences and picked them up on Saturday.
Ramagiri and Dharmavaram towns were tense after the arrests.
Moreover, two of the accused complained of ill health and were shifted to the prisoners' ward in the Anantapur general hospital.
Paritala Ravi visited the hospital and enquired about their health.