Even as Kapu community leader and former minister Mudragada Padmanabham today continued for the second day his fast seeking release of those arrested in connection with violence at Tuni in January, the CID today held another six persons in connection with the case.
Padmanabham, who began an indefinite fast at his residence at Kirlampudi village in East Godavari district yesterday, had been arrested by CID sleuths last evening.
Padmanabham sat on indefinite fast seeking release of the five youths arrested three days ago. He had fixed a deadline till last night for the release of those arrested. However, even after his arrest, Mudragada continued his fast at a Rajahmundry hospital and refused medical treatment, police sources said.
The six accused-- Vasureddy Yesudas, Akula Ramakrishna, Nalla Vishnu, Ganesula Rambabu, Ganesula Laxmana Rao and Chekkakula Vishnu-- who were arrested by CID from Mudragada's house in Kirlampudi, were produced before a special court, which remanded them in judicial custody for 14 days.
Fifty five of Mudragada's supporters, who were also taken into custody last night and kept in Kakinada Three Town police station, are likely to be released as their involvement in Tuni violence was not established. They are likely to be released on station bail, a police source said.
The agitation by Kapus, seeking inclusion in the Backward Classes category, had turned violent at Tuni on January 31 when the protesters went on a rampage setting on fire a passenger train, a police station, besides police and private vehicles.
The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the train burning case.
