Tension in Chirala as followers of netas clash

CHIRALA: Tension prevailed in Prakasam district’s Chirala town following clashes between followers of MLA Karanam Balaram and former MLA Amanchi Krishnamohan. At least five people from both sides were injured in the incident that took place late on Saturday night. The injured were shifted to a government hospital in Chirala. Additional police personnel were rushed to the spot to disperse the mob.
Police enforced prohibitory orders and asked both groups not to take out any rallies.The row started when Karanam Balaram’s followers took out a rally from Chirala town to Pandillapalli village to celebrate the legislator’s birthday. Sources said that local YSRC leader Anjireddy organised the event.
Baralam had won the assembly election as a TDP nominee but joined the YSRC after the elections. Since Pandillapalli is the native place of former MLA and local YSRC leader Amanchi Krishnamohan, the situation turned tense as the followers of Krishnamohan tried to obstruct the rally organised by Balaram’s followers.
Sensing trouble, SP Siddarth Kaushal rushed at least three DSPs and five inspectors to Pandillapalli along with additional forces. Balaram’s followers were agitated when followers of Krishnamohan raised slogans against Balaram and his son Venkatesh. They said that they would not allow anyone to dictate terms in Chirala as long as Krishnamohan continues to be the constituency in-charge.
District minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy spoke to the SP and directed him to take stringent measures against both groups.