Andhra Deputy Speaker Attacked During Akiveedu Temple Visit

Tension erupted in Akiveedu town in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district on Friday after a mob reportedly attacked Assembly Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju during his visit to a local temple to mark Srirama Navami, authorities and officials said. The incident has triggered political condemnation and heightened security concerns in the area.

Raju had arrived at the dilapidated Rama temple in Pedapeta village to participate in festival rituals and to reiterate his intention to rebuild the structure, a plan that has drawn opposition from certain local groups. As his vehicle approached the temple, a group of unruly individuals allegedly surrounded it and attempted to attack him and his supporters with sticks and iron rods.

One of Raju’s party colleagues, identified as Jana Sena leader Anil, was seriously injured during the confrontation and was taken to a hospital in Bhimavaram for treatment. Three others also sustained injuries, police and Raju’s aides said. Raju alleged that many of the assailants were outsiders and some wore masks to avoid identification, prompting him to appeal to the district Superintendent of Police for stringent action against those involved.

Despite the violence, Raju continued with his visit and performed prayers at the temple, reiterating his commitment to the reconstruction project. He accused one of the attackers, named Naresh, of threatening him during the clash. Police have begun examining CCTV footage from the area to identify suspects and are working to restore normalcy, with a significant police presence deployed around Pedapeta following the incident.

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The attack drew swift condemnation from senior state leaders. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan denounced the violence, calling it reprehensible, particularly given that it occurred near a temple during a religious festival. Kalyan described the assault as “highly condemnable,” suggested there may have been a conspiracy behind the incident, and urged thorough investigation and strict legal action against those responsible.

Local police officials said they had deployed additional forces to maintain order and that normalcy had been largely restored by the afternoon. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are examining evidence to determine the motive behind the attack and to hold accountable all those involved in the violence.

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