Hyderabad, March 20: A scuffle between the supporters of Minister for Infrastructure Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and the Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) marred the otherwise enthusiastic Holi celebrations by all sections of people here on Saturday.
Slogans
The trouble arose when Mr. Reddy, along with his followers, came riding a motorcycle to Clock Tower, where the JAC activists had already gathered and were celebrating. Seeing the Minister, some of them raised slogans, ridiculing him and demanding his resignation to support the Telangana cause. This was resented by Mr. Reddy’s followers, who questioned the motive.
Enraged, one of them G. Srinivas Reddy, a former Town Councillor, drove his motorcycle towards the JAC activists resulting in a free for all between the rival groups. A student leader fell down in the melee. The ex-Councillor also assaulted and abused some activists, warranting a police complaint against him.
Police intervened and separated the clashing groups and restored order. The minister drove away on the motorcycle along with a follower.
However, he returned and went round important thoroughfares in the town along with supporters.
Earlier, Mr. Reddy visited Collector S.A.M. Rizvi’s bungalow to greet the gathering, including SP Rajesh Kumar and Additional SP Sailu and civil/police officials. Then his group moved towards Clock Tower. The JAC activists had reached the spot in a rally from the Telugu Talli statue.
At the SP’s bungalow, Mr. Sailu, DSP Vijay Paul, among others were seen dancing in Holi celebrations.
Among the JAC leaders present at Clock Tower were G. Amarender Reddy, Venkateshwarlu,G. Madusudhan Reddy (BJP), B. Narender Reddy (TRS), Venu Sankoch, M. Adi Reddy (CPI), besides women and student activists.
Later JAC activists at Chityal set fire to an effigy of the Minister, resenting the behaviour of Congressmen at Clock Tower.
–Source: Flashnewstoday