According to police, tension prevailed near Almas Pet junction after clashes broke out between two groups over the renaming issue, following which Section 144 was imposed and security intensified to maintain law and order.
On Saturday, stone pelting and protests erupted between the groups, prompting police to disperse the crowd using mild force and other measures.
The dispute had surfaced intermittently over the past 12 years. Several people allegedly involved in the violence have been identified and are likely to be arrested soon, officials said.
Kadapa District Collector Sridhar Cherukuri and Superintendent of Police Shelke Nachiket Vishwanath, during a joint press conference on Saturday, termed the clashes “unfortunate” and said anti-social and malicious elements allegedly attempted to disturb communal harmony in the town.
They also warned against the circulation of false information on social media, saying misinformation was creating fear among people. Officials said the district police machinery responded swiftly after the clashes erupted and took strong security measures in the area.
Meanwhile, police have registered cases under relevant sections of law in connection with the clashes. Officials said steps are being taken to foster unity and maintain peace in the district, while assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
