Agnipath Secunderabad violence: Ex-Armyman from Narasaraopeta held for inciting youth

Guntur: The director of Sai Defence Academy in Narasaraopeta was taken into custody by the Palnadu Police on 18 June for instigating the violent protests at the Secunderabad railway station against the Centre's Agnipath recruitment scheme.

According to the preliminary information, Avula Subba Rao, a former Army man, provoked students to protest against the Agnipath scheme at the Secunderabad station. Rao runs Sai Defence Academy in Narsaraopeta, Hyderabad, and other places.

On 14 June, the Union Cabinet approved the Agnipath recruitment scheme that will allow Indian youth to serve in the armed forces for four years. Following this announcement, protests erupted in Telangana. Over 500 students from various districts gathered at the Secunderabad railway station and allegedly torched trains.

Rao had travelled from Guntur to Secunderabad on Thursday night. Sources said ahead of his protest, the ex-serviceman allegedly sent voice and text messages through WhatsApp to groups created especially for job aspirants and provoked them. Nearly 300 trainees from his academy reached Secunderabad station from Guntur.

Sources from the police said in the voice messages protestors tell the others to get petrol and tyres.

After further investigation by the Palnadu police, Rao will be handed over to the Telangana state police.