Police officers guarding the Almaspet circle in Kadapa in the early hours of Sunday following clashes between two groups on Saturday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Tension erupted in parts of Kadapa city on Saturday (May 9, 2026) and spilled over into Sunday (May 10, 2026) when two groups clashed over naming a traffic island in the city after a character of their choice.
One section demanded naming the Almaspet circle after Tipu Sultan, the Mysore ruler who died in battle against the British. Another group wanted it to be called Hanuman Circle, except for what they called undue credit being given to a “tyrannical ruler”.
The issue flared up after some social media posts pitted one community against another.
Anticipating trouble, a large contingent of police personnel had to resort to lathi charge to control the situation when two groups gathered in Almaspet and pelted stones at each other.
The Kadapa police, who maintained restraint despite the rain of stones and bloody injuries, focused on maintaining public safety and peace.
The police department tried to resolve the issue amicably
One CI, one SI, 10 police officers sustained blood injuries#kadapapolice@APPOLICE100#dial112pic.twitter.com/PI4nJMvXfD
— Kadapa Police (@Kadapa_Police) May 9, 2026
On Sunday, the police took some youths into preventive custody to calm the tension.
Nachiket Superintendent of Police Vishwanath Shelke said some youths were taken into preventive custody after they were identified as troublemakers. No arrests have been made.
Mr. Nachiket and District Collector Sridhar Cherukuri held talks with a peace committee comprising representatives of both groups and called for restraint.
We are taking protective measures to prevent any breach of peace and security!
Strict action will be taken against those responsible for the riots
District Collector Dr. who spoke to the media. Sridhar Cherukuri, District SP Shelke Vishwanath#kadapasp#kadapapolice#KadapaCollector#APPPolice#Problem with law and orderpic.twitter.com/MwmQnRyQ2a
— Kadapa Police (@Kadapa_Police) May 9, 2026
Former MLA and YSRCP Kadapa constituency leader Amzath Basha appealed to the police to release the youths who were taken into custody and take action only against those involved in any anti-social activities.
BJP state president PVN Madhav appealed to the state government to bring the situation under control and asked the police not to allow the tension to escalate. He also took exception to the alleged arrogant behavior of a police constable towards a BJP worker, who he said was manhandled for no known reason.
Kadapa city has been a symbol of religious harmony and brotherhood since time immemorial, said District Collector Dr. Sridhar Cherukuri who made it clear.
The incidents that took place at Almaspeta Circle in Kadapa… pic.twitter.com/CTFcrtokdW
— District Collector, YSR Kadapa District (@CollectorKadapa) May 9, 2026
TDP MLA and Government Whip R. Madhavi Reddy appealed to both communities to exercise restraint and noted that harmony in society has been the norm in Kadapa for generations. She urged them not to fall victim to the “evil plans of anti-social elements who want to disturb the peace and development of Kadapa”.
Published – 10 May 2026 14:05 IST
