Police foil `Chalo Amalapuram’, several BJP leaders put under house detention

Vijayawada : Police foiled BJP’s ' Chalo Amalapuram’ march on Friday when they imposed Section 144 and placed several leaders including state unit chief Somu Veerraju under house detention in Andhra Pradesh.

BJP supporters were supposed to participate in 'Chalo Amalapuram' to protest against the torching of the celestial chariot of Antarvedi Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in East Godavari district.

The call for Chalo Amalapuram was given by BJP State president Somu Veerraju. Police placed Somu Veerraju and few other top leaders under house detention to stop them from visiting Amalapuram.

Tension gripped several places in Andhra Pradesh after police detained leaders and activists on Friday.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eluru Range), KV Mohan Rao said Section 144 has been imposed across the Amalapuram Revenue Division in view of COVID 19. He said no permission has been granted to Chalo Amalapuram given the pandemic.

Rao said that police will take action against those who violate Section 144.

However, the state general secretary Vishnuvardhan Reddy reached Amalapuram. Police immediately switched into action and took Vishnuvardhan Reddy into custody. Somu Veerraju lashed out at the AP government for illegally filing cases against BJP leaders.

Amalapuram Chamber of Commerce also called for a shutdown and supported the ongoing protests against the Antarvedi incident.

Most of the business establishments were shut on Friday in Amalapuram. Large number of policemen were deployed in Amalapuram and parts of East Godavari districts to prevent any untoward incidents.