Dalits arrested amid protest, RCP slams police crackdown

Andhra Pradesh: The ongoing relay hunger strike by Dalits demanding rightful ownership of disputed land in Old Kadapa entered its 29th day with a siege protest at the RDO office, but instead of resolution, authorities responded with arrests, triggering outrage from activists and opposition leaders.

RCP criticizes police action

Rayalaseema Communist Party State General Secretary Ravi Shankar Reddy condemned the removal of protest tents and arrests of peaceful demonstrators. He said using police to intimidate Dalits fighting for justice is undemocratic and warned of intensified protests if the land dispute is not resolved.

Authorities accused of ignoring core issues

Ravi Shankar Reddy questioned the rationale of deploying heavy police force to suppress a legitimate movement rather than resolving the issue in “ten minutes” through dialogue. He termed the arrests a tactic to silence Dalit voices instead of addressing their grievances.

Several activists detained, later released

Activists including AICC Coordinator SA Sattar, Dalit Tribal Rights Struggle Association leaders Madagalam Prasad and Venkatesh, CPI ML leaders Obayya and Ramu, MRPS leaders BC Gangulu and Anjaneyulu, among others, were arrested and taken to Chintakommadinne police station. They were later released after public pressure.

Supporters rally at police station

Following the arrests, a large crowd gathered at the Chintakommadinne station in solidarity with the detainees, further amplifying demands for justice and protection of Dalit lands.