Tension gripped Nagari on Sunday with the Municipal Chairperson K. Shanti physically assaulted by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) cadre following clashes between ruling TDP and YSR Congress workers during the distribution of ‘Ramzan Tofa’.
According to information, TDP MLC Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu conducted the distribution event in the 23rd and 24th wards in the morning.
After he left the venue, TDP workers allegedly objected to the participation of YSRC cadres in the event, leading to heated arguments.
When Ms. Shanti tried to visit the wards later, TDP activists reportedly obstructed her way, forcing her to approach the police.
However, when Ms. Shanti was in the police station, some TDP functionaries barged into the sub-inspector’s chamber and allegedly assaulted and kicked her.
Ms. Shanti, who fell down and lost consciousness, was rushed to Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) at Tirupati.
YSRC cadres said she had recently undergone surgery. Ms Shanti’s husband and former municipal chairman K.J. Kumar told The Hindu that TDP functionaries had assaulted his wife in front of the SI, Vikram and alleged that the TDP men had pushed away the police officer who tried to prevent the assault.
Mr. Kumar said the YSRC would observe a bandh at Nagari on Monday.
“We have already lodged a police complaint, but they are not responding owing to pressure from Mr. Muddukrishnama Naidu,” he alleged.
The SI confirmed the clash between the two groups, and said and investigation was underway.