Row over compound wall demolition
Tension prevailed at Gavaravaram area following the demolition of the compound wall of St Ann’s College for Women and a tower of Christian Missionary here on Saturday. The students, youth objected to the removal of the college compound wall and the tower in which the statues of Jesus and Mother Mary are placed.
Eluru: Tension prevailed at Gavaravaram area following the demolition of the compound wall of St Ann’s College for Women and a tower of Christian Missionary here on Saturday. The students, youth objected to the removal of the college compound wall and the tower in which the statues of Jesus and Mother Mary are placed.
Highlights:
- St Ann’s College for Women students obstruct demolition
- Scuffle ensues between students and police
Roads and buildings officials reached Saint Ann’s College for Women at Gavaravaram here with the earth movers in the afternoon, while classes are going on in the College. They tried to start the removal of the compound wall of the college to facilitate the road widening works. The students and staff came out from the college and obstructed the officials’ move to dismantle the compound wall.
The students and staff said that their principal Sr Mercy was not in the college and sought one day time as she would speak to the officials. However, the officials are reluctant to their request and removed some portion of the wall.
Later, they reached the other end of the road near Bishop House and Diocese where a tower was constructed on the road. Lord Jesus and Mother Mary statues were placed in the tower. Knowing that the officials are removing the tower, the college students and youth reached the spot and obstructed the officials.
The police force also reached the spot. During the discussions, a scuffle took place between youth and police. The roads and buildings officials clarified that it is necessary to remove the tower and compound wall of the college for the widening of the road. The students and youth questioned officials for not touching the other side buildings which are on the road.
Following the protest from the students and youth, the officials gave one-day time.
The college staff said that earlier the officials issued notice to the management stating that three feet site was required for the widening of the road. However, they marked up to 11 feet on Saturday. Administrative officer Venkateswara Rao, who assured of discussion with the officials, failed to meet them in time. The officials came with the earth movers, revenue and police personnel to the spot.
Officials said this road would be widened up to 60 feet. The officials have made arrangements to remove the compound wall of Andhra Bank on the road. Until 6 pm, the stalemate continued in the college area. Tahsildar Chandrasekhar, R and B DE K Ramu, assistant engineer Sai Satish, along with police, were present on the spot.
