Kapu leader to launch indefinite fast today; security stepped up

Security has been beefed up in the East Godavari district, in view of Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham's planned indefinite fast at Kirlampudi from Friday for inclusion of the community in the Backward Class category.

"Since Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham has planned to launch an indefinite fast at his residence in Kirlampudi in the district tomorrow for reservation demand, we have stepped up security in the district. We have set up 39 checkposts and Rapid Action Force has been roped in," district Superintendent of Police SP Mesala Ravi Prakash told media persons.

Authorities have already put in place prohibitory orders under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code and section 30 of the Police Act banning assembly of people to avoid any untoward incident, he said.

Violence had erupted in the district last Sunday during 'Kapu Aikya Garjana', a meeting by Kapu community members, who sought reservation under Backward Class category.

The agitators, who had gathered at Tuni town of the district to attend the public meeting addressed by Padmanabham, pelted the engine of the Ratnachal Express train with stones and also attacked police personnel before ransacking the railway station. Four bogies of the train were also set ablaze.

As many as 63 cases have been registered for rioting, arson, criminal conspiracy, holding meeting without permission, violating preventive orders, causing damage to public property, attacking the policemen on duty without provocation, damaging railway property besides torching private and police vehicles.

"The total loss suffered both by the Railways and police department comes to about Rs 120 crore," the SP said, adding that investigation into the case is going on in a transparent manner and there was no question of implicating innocent people in these cases.

Image: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in a meeting with leaders from Kapu Community.