Clashes Erupt in Kadapa Over Traffic Island Naming, Police Detain Youths

Clashes erupted in Kadapa on Saturday, continuing into Sunday (May 10), after rival groups clashed over renaming Almaspet Circle after either Tipu Sultan or Hanuman, prompting police to use lathi charges and impose preventive detentions. The violence followed inflammatory social media posts and confrontations at the site, where crowds pelted stones, forcing law enforcement to intervene to restore order.

Kadapa Superintendent of Police Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke confirmed that several youths were taken into preventive custody after being identified as potential agitators, though no formal arrests have been made. SP Shelke, along with District Collector Sridhar Cherukuri, held talks with a peace committee comprising representatives from both communities, urging restraint and dialogue.

YSRCP leader Amzath Basha called for the release of all detained youths, demanding action only against those proven to engage in antisocial activities. BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav urged the state government to control the situation and criticized alleged police misconduct against a party worker.

TDP MLA R. Madhavi Reddy appealed for communal harmony, emphasizing Kadapa's history of peaceful coexistence and warning against provocateurs exploiting the dispute. The district administration remains on high alert, with officials monitoring social media and conducting consultations to prevent further unrest.