Date:05/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/05/stories/2007070552770400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

TDP men stopped at mining area

Staff Reporter

Mission to probe ‘demolition’ of temple; four party MPs arrested

On a warpath: Police blocking the road on the outskirts of Rayadurg in Anantapur on Wednesday to prevent TDP leaders from proceeding to visit Obulapuram mining area.

RAYADURG (ANANTAPUR DT.): The Anantapur district police foiled a bid of the TDP team led by four Rajya Sabha members on Wednesday to visit the mining area of Obulapuram Mining Company near Obulapuram village in D.Hirehal mandal on a fact-finding mission on the alleged demolition of an ancient temple by the mining company.

The TDP team comprising MPs C. Ramachandraiah, R. Chandrasekhar Reddy, Laljan Basha, A. Sudarshan, former MPs K. Srinivasulu and K.M. Saifullah, legislator M. Govinda Reddy, B.C. Govindappa and P. Raghunatha Reddy, former Minister N. Kistappa, district president of TDP U. Hanumantharaya Chowdary and others were stopped from proceeding further by the police on the outskirts of Rayadurg town, about 55 km away from the mining area.

Police led by OSD G. Vijay Kumar, Guntakal DSP K.V. Mohan Rao and others placed the vehicles across the road to prevent the convoy of TDP leaders proceeding further. Taken aback by the unexpected situation, the TDP MPs argued vociferously with the police asking on what grounds they were being detained.

The OSD explained to the TDP leaders that they had orders from the SP not to allow them to proceed further. Mr. Ramachandraiah questioned the police how they had allowed a large gathering at three places on way to the mining area, including the mining site when prohibitory orders were in force. After arguments for about half-an-hour the police packed about 15 TDP leaders into a waiting van and moved them to Garladinne police station near Anantapur, about 110 km away from the spot they were taken into custody. A case was registered against them under Section 151 of the IPC in Rayadurg police station. They were released on personal surety in the evening.

Speaking to media at Anantapur the TDP leaders alleged that preventing them from visiting the mining area exposed the dictatorial attitude of the State Government.