Uneasy calm prevailed in East Godavari district on Wednesday, a day after high drama over Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham and a large number of youth of the community protesting the arrest of seven persons in connection with the Tuni arson cases.
Indefinite fast announced
Mr. Padmanabham announced in the evening that he would go on indefinite hunger strike at his residence in Kirlampudi from 9 a.m. on Thursday.
His main demands are release of the seven and withdrawal of cases against the others.
Kapu leaders from East Godavari, West Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts called on Mr. Padmanabham and expressed their solidarity with him. He appealed to them not to participate in the hunger strike.
“When I staged a hunger strike in February, the State government promised that no cases would be booked against anyone involved in the agitation that took place as part of Kapu Aikya Garjana at Tuni on January 31. But, the CID registered cases against seven innocent youth and police inquiries are on at the houses of the others,” Mr. Padmanabham said, accusing the government of deceiving the Kapu community one more time.
‘Responsible for protest’
“I have made it clear that I am solely responsible for the agitation — be it torching the Ratnachal Express or that of the police stations. The police can arrest me alone and register cases under the sections applicable,” he said. The Kapu leader said he would not to apply for bail if he is arrested, and continue the protest in the jail.
Heavy police deployment was made at Mr. Padmanabham’s residence and additional forces were expected in the town. He spent the day meeting people and answering phone calls. He maintained that the seven accused could be freed if the government issued special orders. “The government is trying to suppress the Kapu movement by creating panic. After all, we are fighting for BC status, which is our right and also a promise made by the TDP prior to the general elections.”
Speaking to reporters at Amalapuram, Home Minister N. Chinarajappa indicated that some more arrests would be made in connection with the arson. He said all those arrested were history sheeters. “The government assured Mr. Padmanabham that no cases would be booked against the innocents. Even now, cases are being booked against the history sheeters. The police will arrest Mr. Padmanabham too when the time comes,” he said.
