The Kapu Ikya Garjana held in Tuni in East Godavari district on Sunday, demanding inclusion of Kapu community in BC list, turned violent with protesters setting ablaze coaches of Ratnachal Express, a police station and other properties.
The agitation, led by former minister Mudragada Padmanabham, brought life a standstill in Tuni and neighbouring areas with agitators enforcing complete blockade of NH 16 and rail traffic between Visakhapatnam and Vijaywada. According to reports reaching here, the protesters first pelted stones on the engine of the train and overpowered four railway staff and injured them. Later, they set four coaches on fire. They had also set ablaze Tuni Rural police station.
The agitation has led to cancellation of several rains while many others were regulated. In view of the regulation/cancellation of train services on the Vijayawada – Rajahmundry – Visakhapatnam Section of Vijayawada Division, the South Central Railway has set up Help Lines at the following stations: Vijayawada – 0866-2575038, Rajahmundry – 0883-2420451 and 0883- 2420543 and Tuni – 08854-252172.