Attack on Deputy Speaker: 27 accused arrested in Akiveedu

At least 27 persons have been arrested on Saturday (March 28) in connection with the attack on Deputy Speaker R. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju and others during Ram Navami celebrations at Pedda Peta near Akiveedu in West Godavari district. In the clash reported on March 27, Mr. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju alleged that he had a miraculous escape in the attack that was plotted against him by the non-locals.

As many as three persons suffered severe injuries in the clash between two groups of locals over a century-old Ram Mandir in Pedda Peta.

West Godavari District Superintendent of Police Adnan Nayeem Asmi told The Hindu: "An attempt to murder case has been registered against 57 persons involved in the clash. As many as 27 accused have been arrested and all of them are locals."

Mr. Nayeem Asmi has added that the investigation is on to trace instigators behind the clash.

Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathi Raju Srinivas Varma met the victims in the local government hospital in Bhimavaram.