-The Hindu
Arrest of former MPP Botcha Vasunaidu demanded
One more person died on Wednesday in the Lakshmipet incident in which four Dalits were killed while fighting for their rights over leftover lands originally alienated for the construction of Madduvalasa reservoir.
Papayya, 55, succumbed to injuries in King George Hospita, Visakhapatnam. With the death of Papayya, the toll went up to five in the attack that occurred on June 12.
Meanwhile, several Dalit associations organised a protest with black flags at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue demanding that Vangrara former MPP Botcha Vasunaidu be arrested immediately as he had allegedly instigated others to beat up Dalits so that there would be no opposition to landlords to control 220 acres of land which was vacant under Madduvalasa reservoir.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) publicity secretary S.V. Ramana demanded that special court be set up immediately for trail of the accused and ensure speedy justice to Dalit families.
“The government should order a probe on why the police picket was removed just one day before the attack on Dalits. It is a conspiracy to help the accused to create havoc among Dalits. Land should be distributed immediately to help Dalit families to lead respectable life in their own village,” he added.