Tension prevailed in Amalapuram, the Konaseema area in East Godavari district, after some unidentified persons desecrated statues of Dr. B R Ambedkar.
In protest against the incident, Dalits in the area staged dharnas and rallies, and demanded a high-level probe into the attacks.
The protestors sought stern action against those responsible for the incident.
Meanwhile, Major Industries Minister J Geetha Reddy, Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy, and government whip Kondru Murali Mohan, on Monday, appealed to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy to take severe action against those who damaged the statues.
Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy called up East Godavari Superintendent of Police Trivikram Verma, and asked him to probe the incident. She also directed the SP to arrest those responsible for the incident, and to form special teams to trace the culprits.
Meanwhile, the SP stated that the police have imposed Section 144 in Amalapuram for one week to prevent any untoward incidents.
The RTC has cancelled its bus services to Amalapuram from Kakinada, as a preventive measure.
Reacting to the incidents, MP Harsha Kumar stated that he would stand by his
words that Dalits were not given prominent positions during the recent Cabinet expansion. He demanded a probe into the incident, and action against the guilty. (INN)