'Tipu Sultan Circle' naming row sparks violence in AP’s Kadapa
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Hyderabad: Communal tension gripped Andhra Pradesh’s Kadapa district after a dispute erupted over the naming of a junction at Almaspet Circle, leading to clashes and stone pelting on Saturday.
The controversy began after members of the local Muslim community proposed renaming Almaspet Circle as “Tipu Sultan Circle”, claiming they had received administrative permission for the change.
As news of the proposal spread, right-wing affiliated groups strongly opposed the move and instead demanded that the junction be named “Hanuman Circle”.
Tensions escalated on Saturday when supporters of the right-wing groups allegedly attempted to install a 30-foot Hanuman statue at the circle, triggering anger among members of the Muslim community.
The situation soon turned violent, with both sides pelting stones at each other and raising slogans.
Police personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information about the clashes and attempted to bring the situation under control. During the unrest, a Circle Inspector and two constables sustained injuries, prompting the police to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Authorities later imposed prohibitory orders in and around Almaspet Circle, while additional police forces were deployed to maintain law and order in the area.