Kakinada: The Konaseema Parirakshana Samithi protesters staged a rally in Kakinada town on Tuesday in protest against renaming Konaseema after Dr B R Ambedkar turned violent. The protesters set ablaze at the residences of Transport Minister P Viswarup and Mummidavaram MLA P Satish in Amalapuram town, and several vehicles.

The protesters pelted stones on police and the SP’s vehicle and committed violent caused injured 20 police personnel, including a DSP. Konaseema Parirakshana Samithi protesters defied prohibitory orders and took to the streets, indulging in arson and rioting. The organization was formed after the Government issued an order on May 19^th, proposing to rename Konaseema district and inviting objections, if any in 30 days.

The Konaseema Parirakshana Samithi protesters took out a rally from Subhakalasam Centre to the District Collectorate, but were prevented by the police citing the Section 144 CrPC that was promulgated on Monday. A heated argument ensued between the police and the agitators, who broke through the barricades and continued their rally. The mob resorted to stone pelting when the police took some of the protestors into custody and shifted them to a bus. The policemen were injured in the incident. The mob also targeted the vehicle of district SP Subba Reddy.

Police resorted to lathi-charge but the agitators continued pelting stones and their march. At the District Collectorate, three private buses and two APSRTC buses were set on fire. Meanwhile, a group of protestors went to the transport minister’s residence-cum-camp office and set his house and three cars on fire. They set ablaze another house belonging to the minister. They also set MLA Satish’s house on fire. Just before the protestors reached Viswarup’s house, police had shifted him and his family to safety. Additional forces from Kakinada were brought to Amalapuram to bring the situation under control.

Additional forces have been deployed and the situation is now under control. Eluru Range DIG G Pala Raju speaking to the reporters said that we will ensure that there is no more law and order disruption. All those involved in the riots seem to be people from Amalapuram town. Based on CCTV and video footage, we will identify those involved in arson and stone pelting and take stern action against them. Urging the people to maintain restraint, the officer directed the youth not to resort to anti-social activities and jeopardize their future. Asked if they have identified those behind the riots, Pala Raju said they have some clues, but was still investigating.

Terming the riots a conspiracy by some forces to create unrest in the State, Home Minister Taneti Vanitha said trouble-mongers would be dealt with an iron fist. Those responsible for the riots in Amalapuram will not be spared, she asserted.

Transport Minister Viswarup said that to name the district after Ambedkar was the demand of TDP, BJP and Jana Sena. Now, they are instigating people to protest, which is condemnable. The motive behind the riots is political.