Hyderabad/Amalapuram, January 24 (INN): Tension prevailed at Amalapuram, the Konaseema area in East Godavari district, after some unidentified persons desecrate the statues of Dr B R Ambedkar.
In protest against the incident, Dalits in the area staged dharnas and rallies and demanded a high-level probe into incident. The protestors sought stern action against those responsible for the incident.
Meanwhile, Major Industries Minister J Geetha Reddy, Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy and government whip Kondru Murali Mohan on Monday appealed to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy to take severe action against the guilty who damaged Ambedkar's statues.
Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy called up East Godavari Superintendent of Police Trivikram Verma and asked him to probe into the incident. She also directed the SP to arrest those responsible for the incident and form special teams to trace the culprits.
Meanwhile, the SP stated that the police have imposed Section 144 in Amalapuram for one week to prevent any untoward incidents. The RTC has cancelled its bus services to Amalapuram from Kakinada as a preventive measure.
Reacting on the incidents, MP Harsha Kumar stated that he would stand by his words that Dalits were not given prominent position during the cabinet expansion recently. He demanded probe into the incident and action against the guilty. (INN)