Date:02/05/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/05/02/stories/2004050202130500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Civic chief, deputy clash

By Our Correspondent

ADILABAD, MAY 1. The Adilabad Municipal Chairman, Lala Radheshyam (BJP), allegedly slapped the Vice-Chairman, Badan Ganganna (TDP), following a heated debate at the general body meeting of the council on Friday. The meeting, which marred by chaos, was called off soon after the incident.

After five items on the agenda were adopted unanimously, the meeting took up the issue of encroachments in town. Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen councillors -- Zaheer, Ashok and Vishwprasad -- alleged that encroachments on the Government lands were going on unchecked. Amid chaos, the three MIM councillors staged a walkout.

During the discussion, Mr. Ganganna alleged encroachment of the Government land by a private cinema theatre owner at Bhuktapur. He also alleged that money changed hands in the deal and the Chairman was a part of it. Angered over it, Mr. Radheshyam hit back at Mr. Ganganna making similar charges. The Chairman allegedly slapped the Vice-Chairman in a fit of anger.