Ten youths from Punjab with unlicensed weapons arrested in Rayachoti

The arrest of a 10-member group of youth from Punjab with unlicensed firearms on Saturday heightened the tension at Rayachoti in Annamayya district, where clashes between the TDP and YSRCP supporters raised concerns over law and order during the process of filing of nominations for the local body elections on Friday.

The police arrested the youth and seized two pistols and bullets from their possession. Preliminary information indicated that the accused youth had been staying at a lodge on the Madanapalle Road, allegedly along with the supporters of a political party, a few persons from Karnataka, and bouncers.

The police are investigating the purpose of their stay and their possible links to the prevailing tense situation.

The situation turned tense after information surfaced that the group was staying at the lodge. A large number of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers gathered outside the lodge, triggering a confrontation with members / supporters of the other group. A car parked outside the lodge was partially damaged in the incident.

The police rushed to the lodge and took several people, including men from Karnataka and the bouncers, into custody.

The arrests have since become a major talking point in the district, with political parties trading allegations over attempts to disturb the election process.

The TDP accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of conspiring to create unrest during the local body elections. “The allegations are being thoroughly probed,” the police said.

Meanwhile, the police stepped up security across Rayachoti. They deployed additional personnel in the town and put in place a three-tier security arrangement at the nomination centres to prevent further clashes.

Superintendent of Police Dheeraj Kunubilli said that rallies and protests in Rayachoti were prohibited as a precautionary measure. Senior police officers were monitoring the situation and overseeing security arrangements. Investigation into the seizure of firearms and related developments at the lodge is underway.