Date:18/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/18/stories/2007051812530300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Congress leaders meet YSR on compensation to Kadiri victims

Staff Reporter

Collector asked to send report on loss suffered by victims

Team members told to consult legal cell on withdrawal of cases

ANANTAPUR: A team of district Congress leaders led by Ministers -- J.C. Diwakar Reddy and N. Raghuveera Reddy -- called on Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in Hyderabad on Wednesday on the incidents of violence in Kadiri in the last week of April.

Violence broke out in the town after two communities clashed over a petty issue of eve teasing and several houses of a particular community were torched by allegedly another community on April 30. The Congress leaders urged the Chief Minister to sanction suitable compensation to the victims of violence.

Accordingly, the Chief Minister was learnt to have assured the party leaders of compensation to the victims, including mediapersons whose cameras were damaged by protesters. The Chief Minister was learnt to have sought a report on the loss suffered by the victims from the Collector. Compensation could be worked out on the basis of the Collector's report, he told the party leaders.

Lifting of cases

On the request of the party leaders for lifting of cases registered against people on both sides, the Chief Minister was learnt to have cautioned them about the legal problems. He was stated to have directed the leaders to consult the legal cell of the party before taking a decision on it.

Party legislators -- J. Ramaiah, K. Mohan Reddy, Hindupur MP G. Nizamuddin, members of legislative council G. Thippeswamy and Y. Sivarami Reddy were among those who called on the Chief Minister.