The police arrested leaders and activists of opposition parties who raised the long-pending problems at Rachabanda programme organised at New Rajarajeswaripeta here on Monday.
The police arrested 20 persons, including six women, who tried to point out the steep cut in quota of kerosene and other essential commodities by the State government. Forty-year-old Bujjamma suffered minor injuries in the melee.
Mohiddin and R. Nagamani of New Rajarajeswaripeta and others alleged that the police used filthy language when they resisted arrest. “How can the police behave in such a manner just for questioning the rationale behind cut in essential commodities quota supplied at fair price shops,” they questioned.
Released on surety
The police dragged the men and women alike and packed them into vans. The CPI(M) and TDP leaders were virtually taken on a two-and- half hour city tour with police taking them to Ramavarappadu, Nunna, Mustabada, Nanavaram, Surampalli and other places before they were released on surety at Payakapuram police station. CPI(M) State committee member Ch. Babu Rao and others were arrested.
The city police made elaborate arrangements for the Rachabanda as District In-charge Minister Galla Aruna Kumari attended the programme. Vijayawada (Central) MLA Malladi Vishnu, District Collector S.A.M. Rizvi and others were present.
