Dappu artists and activists arrested after protest in Vijayawada

Andhra Pradesh: In a controversial move, police detained Dappu artists and activists of the Anti-Caste Discrimination Struggle Association (KVPS) while they were on their way to lunch after concluding their protest at Dharna Chowk, Vijayawada. The sudden arrests sparked outrage among activists and political leaders.

Activists arrested at Alaknara Center

As the artists were heading towards Jagajjivan Ambedkar Unity Bhavan, they were stopped at Alaknara Center, where police allegedly used force to detain KVPS State General Secretary Andra Malyadri, Dappu Artists Association State General Secretary Gundemeda Kranthi Kumar, and Anantapur District President J Venkatesh. They were taken to Singh Nagar Police Station.

Protest against detention

The arrested individuals refused to eat the food provided by the police, staging a silent protest inside the station. Their detention drew sharp criticism from activists and political leaders who questioned the legality of the arrests.

Condemnation and release

CPM leaders Chigupati Baburao, Ramana Rao, Durga Rao, Konda, and KVPS State Committee Member Chintala Srinivas visited the police station to condemn the arrests. Following their intervention, the detained activists were released.

Demand for justice

Activists have strongly opposed the police action, calling it an attempt to suppress democratic protests. They have demanded accountability for what they term as an illegal and unjustified crackdown on peaceful demonstrators.