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Tension in Kadapa over Almaspet circle naming after Tipu Sultan or Hanuman
Clashes erupted in Kadapa over the naming of the Almaspet traffic circle, with groups advocating Tipu Sultan and Hanuman clashing and police using lathi-charge. By May 10, authorities moved to preventive custody, while talks and appeals from political leaders sought to restore peace.
Why It Matters
The incident tests Kadapa's communal harmony and the ability of authorities to manage social tensions and potential violence while addressing community demands.
Timeline
6 Events
TDP MLA calls for restraint and emphasises communal harmony
May 10, 2026
TDP MLA and Government Whip R. Madhavi Reddy urged both communities to observe restraint, noting Kadapa's tradition of communal harmony and warning against antisocial elements aiming to disturb peace and development.
BJP state president calls for calm and raises concerns about police conduct
May 10, 2026
BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav appealed to the State government to bring the situation under control, asked the police not to allow escalation, and voiced objection to what he described as high-handed behavior of a police constable against a BJP worker.
Amzath Basha appeals for release of youths
May 10, 2026
Former MLA and YSRCP Kadapa constituency in-charge Amzath Basha appealed to the police to release the youths who had been taken into custody and to take action only against those involved in antisocial activity.
Peace talks between police, district administration and peace committee
May 10, 2026
Superintendent of Police Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke and District Collector Sridhar Cherukuri held talks with a peace committee formed of representatives from both groups and called for restraint.
Preventive custody of youths to defuse tension
May 10, 2026
Police took some youths into preventive custody after identifying troublemakers in an effort to defuse the tension; the police said no arrests had been made at that time.
Clashes at Almaspet circle over naming: Tipu Sultan vs Hanuman
May 9, 2026
Two groups clashed at Almaspet circle with opposing views on naming the traffic island after Tipu Sultan or Hanuman. The dispute was spurred by social media posts pitting communities against each other. A large police posse, anticipating trouble, resorted to lathi-charge to control the situation as the groups gathered and pelted stones at each other.