Kakinada, January 23: The situation in Amalapuram town, the nerve centre of Konaseema region, suddenly became tense today morning following desecration of Ambedkar statues at five places there overnight. Official sources said dalits gathered in large numbers at the clock tower centre and staged protest demonstration for some time raising slogans demanding action against the miscreants responsible for the vandalism. Later they went on forcing the closure of the shops in all the streets and problems started with a group of people in the market area resisting them refusing to down their shutters. It led to heated arguments between the dalits and other community people and culminated in hurling of stones against each other. The police intervened and chased the crowds but they soon regrouped and indulged in stone throwing. Finally, the situation was brought under control only after arriving of the East Godavari SP Dr Trivikram varma along with revenue authorities. He held discussions with the both the groups and pacified them. He also assured the dalits to initiate stringent action against the miscreants responsible for the desecration of Ambedkar statues after holding a detailed inquiry into the incident.
—-Agencies