Andhra minister's house set ablaze amid protest against district's renaming | Top points

The arson broke out in Amalapuram town when police resorted to a lathi-charge at people who sought to stage a protest near the district collector's office opposing the proposed renaming of the newly created Konaseema district as BR Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh.

Updated on: May 24, 2022, 20:42:31 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The houses of Andhra Pradesh minister Pinipe Vishwaroop and MLA Ponnada Satish were set on fire as protests against the change of Konaseema district's name turned violent on Tuesday, local reports indicate.

Houses of Andhra Pradesh minister Pinipe Vishwaroop and MLA Ponnada Satish were set on fire. (Source: Twitter)

The arson broke out in Amalapuram town when police resorted to a lathi-charge at people who sought to stage a protest near the district collector's office opposing the proposed renaming of the newly created Konaseema district as BR Ambedkar Konaseema district.

On April 4, the new Konaseema district was carved out of the erstwhile East Godavari. Last week, the state government issued a preliminary notification seeking to rename Konaseema as BR Ambedkar Konaseema district and invited objections, if any, from the people.

Latest developments from violence Amalapuram town:

> Several policemen and protesters sustained injuries in a clash between Konaseema Sadhana Samithi (KSS) members and the cops during the ‘Chalo Konaseema’ march.

> The march was reportedly taken out against the proposal to rename Konaseema district as Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district.

> A police vehicle and an educational institution's bus were torched in Amalapuram town, reported news agency PTI.

> The office of transport minister Viswarupu was also attacked and furniture smashed, it added.

> Home Minister Taneti Vanitha alleged that some political parties and anti-social elements apparently instigated the arson.

> The Konaseema Sadhana Samiti objected to the proposed renaming of the district and wanted the name Konaseema retained.

> The samiti organised a protest on Tuesday and sought to submit a memorandum to the district collector Himanshu Shukla against the renaming.

> Police tried to foil the protest, which apparently infuriated the protestors and eventually all hell broke loose in the otherwise quiet town.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Andhra Pradesh

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.