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Curfew clamped in Andhra town after post-poll clashes

A 24-hour curfew has been imposed in Narsaraopeta town of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh since Monday midnight after tension escalated due to post-poll clashes.

At least three clashes between Congress and Telugu Desam Party supporters were reported since Monday evening. Trouble started after state Panchayat Raj Minister K Sivaprasada Rao allegedly assaulted Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dr K Venkateswarulu after barging into the latter's private hospital along with his supporters.

Dr Venkateswarulu had recently switched his loyalties from the TDP to the BJP. In a complaint lodged with the police, he stated the minister 'slapped' him while his security officer hit him with the butt of his stengun.

Meanwhile, Sivaprasada Rao and his supporters staged a dharna in front of the police station demanding action against Dr Venkateswarulu for allegedly attacking one of the minister's followers. The police had to use force to disperse the agitators.

Subsequently, the BJP supporters also staged a dharna in front of the police station demanding action against the minister. They were joined by Congress activists led by K Rosaiah, the party candidate for Narsaraopeta.

Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed in the town. Senior police officers, including the additional superintendent of police, are camping in the town.

UNI

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