Lawyers protest outside Andhra Pradesh police station after advocate-police clash

Hundreds of lawyers boycotted court proceedings and staged a protest outside the Anantapur Rural Police Station in Andhra Pradesh on Friday following an altercation between a junior advocate and a police officer during a vehicle inspection.

The lawyers demanded action against Rural Circle Inspector Srikanth Yadav, alleging that junior advocate Gautam Raju was assaulted and verbally abused during the incident. They claimed police personnel held Raju by his hands and throat, making it difficult for him to breathe.

Police gave a different account, saying Raju was stopped during a vehicle check after he was asked to produce the required documents. According to police sources, an argument over the inspection escalated into a physical confrontation.

Police sources also alleged that Raju bit the CI's hand during the altercation.

Following the incident, a large number of advocates gathered outside the police station and demanded that Yadav come out and apologise. The lawyers raised slogans and staged a sit-in on the road, disrupting traffic in the area.

The protesters insisted that the CI personally address them and warned that the agitation could be expanded across the district and state if their demands were not met.

DSP Chandrashekhar reached the police station as tensions increased and attempted to pacify the lawyers and restore order. The advocates, however, continued to demand accountability and a clear response from the police department.

The standoff continued until late evening as authorities held discussions with representatives of the bar association.