Police officers guarding the Almaspet circle in Kadapa in the early hours of Sunday following clashes between two groups on Saturday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Tension erupted in parts of Kadapa on Saturday and spilled over into Sunday (May 10) when two groups clashed over naming a traffic island in the city after a particular icon of their choice.
It may be recalled that a section of people demanded that the Almaspet circle be named after Tipu Sultan, the Mysore ruler who died in a battle against the British. Another group, meanwhile, reportedly wanted the same circle to be renamed the Hanuman circle, taking exception to the “undue recognition” given to what they call a tyrannical ruler.
However, the issue reportedly flared up after some posts on social media pitted one community against another, leading to tension in the city. Anticipating trouble, a huge contingent of police personnel reportedly resorted to lathi charge to control the situation as both groups gathered in large numbers in Almaspet and started pelting stones at each other.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the police reportedly took some youths into preventive custody to calm the tension.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke said they have taken several youths into preventive custody after identifying them as troublemakers. However, no arrests were made. Mr. Nachiket along with District Collector Sridhar Cherukuri held talks with a peace committee formed with representatives of both the groups and called for restraint.
Meanwhile, former MLA and YSRCP Kadapa constituency leader Amzath Basha appealed to the police to release all arrested youths and take action only against those found involved in any anti-social activity.
Similarly, BJP state president PVN Madhav appealed to the state government to bring the situation under control and asked the police department not to allow the tension to escalate in any form. He also took exception to the alleged arrogant behavior of a police officer towards a BJP worker who was manhandled without any known reason.
TDP MLA and government whip R. Madhavi Reddy called for restraint from both communities and pointed out the communal harmony that has been followed in Kadapa for generations. She urged them not to fall prey to the diabolical plans of anti-social elements who are trying to “disrupt the peace and development of Kadapa”.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Kurnool Range) Koya Praveen also reached Kadapa to inspect Almaspet circle. In an interview with the media, he said that such contentious matters should be resolved amicably through negotiations and not spill over into the streets in the form of clashes. He said the ministry has started talks with representatives of both communities to bring the issue to an end.
Published – 10 May 2026 19:37 IST
