Many parts of the East Godavari district on Wednesday witnessed a tense situation as people came out on their own to support Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham’s proposed padayatra. Hundreds of women, youth and children took part in the protests.
Residents of Simhadripuram, Rajupalem, Chillangi and Geddanapalli took out a rally in the morning to reach Kirlampudi but their plans were thwarted by the police. At Simhadripuram, the police had a tough time dispersing the protesters.
In Amalapuram, Kapu JAC leader Kalavakolanu Tataji led a rally in which youth participated handcuffing themselves. They were taken into custody as prohibitory orders were in force in the district. Irate Kapu youth tried to attack TDP district president Namana Rambabu’s residence at Magatapalli in Mamidikuduru mandal, but the police rushed to the scene and arrested them.
Women from Bodivaripalem in P. Gannavaram mandal took out a rally and reached the P. Gannavaram three-road junction and staged a sit-in for one hour. They were taken into custody and released later. At Kadiyam, Kapu leaders Ravipati Ramachandra Rao, Girijala Babu, Kotturi Balanageswara Rao and Gatti Narasaiah were taken into custody when they led a rally.
Thota Subbarao Naidu of Prathipadu was arrested when he squatted on the NH along with his followers. East Godavari SP Vishal Gunni said no untoward incidents took place in the district till afternoon.