SIT Team Probes Violence in Tadipathri

Anantapur: An SIT team investigated the poll-related violence in Tadipathri town in Anantapur district on Sunday.

In view of attacks by both TD and YSRC groups against each other, including pelting of stones and ransacking of the houses of rivals, the Tadipatri town turned tense on May 13 and 14. Circle inspector Muralikrishna and several constables were injured in the incidents. SP Amir Bardar, Tadipathri DSP Gangaiah, and CI Muralikrishna have been suspended over their failure to control the situation.

The SIT team on Sunday inspected the spots where violence occurred for two days and verified the FIRs registered by the local police.

Meanwhile, sitting MLA and YSRC candidate K Pedda Reddy and municipal chairman JC Prabhakar Reddy of the TD and their families were ordered out of Tadipathri as part of preventive measures.

On Sunday, MLA Pedda Reddy’s residence had only four women housemaids but not a single person from the family. Sources said the MLA and his family were forcibly sent away from Tadipathri by the police.

Similarly, TD candidate JC Asmith Reddy, his father JC Prabhakar Reddy, and other family members were ordered out from Tadipathri town two days ago. Prabhakar Reddy was admitted to a hospital in Hyderabad as he was having breathing problems due to the impact of the teargas.

While the other family members were present in the house, the police reportedly sent them away from the town to ensure law and order.

The SIT team reportedly verified the FIRs registered by the Tadipathri police.

Meanwhile, Gowthami Shali assumed charge as the new SP of Anantapur district following the suspension of Amith Bardar over his failure to tackle the situation in Tadipatri. Speaking to the media, the SP said stringent action will be initiated against those involved in any violence during the counting.

“We are identifying the trouble-mongers in all sensitive areas of the district including urban areas. The forces will be vigilant to curb such incidents,” she said.