Massive protest against renaming of Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh

An incident of arson broke out in the state's Amalapuram town after the police lathi-charged people protesting at the district headquarters on Tuesday against the proposal to rename the newly formed district of Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh to BR Ambedkar. Several policemen are said to have been injured as the protesters pelted stones after the lathi charge.

A police vehicle and an educational institution bus were also torched in the city. The office of Transport Minister P. Vishwarupu was also attacked and furniture kept there was vandalized. State Home Minister Taneti Vanitha alleged that some political parties and anti-social elements instigated the arson. "It is unfortunate that around 20 police personnel have been injured in the incident. We will investigate the matter and bring the guilty to justice."

Konaseema district was carved out of East Godavari district on April 4. Last week, the state government had invited objections from people by issuing a preliminary notification to rename Konaseema district to BR Ambedkar Konaseema district.