Vandalism sparks protest

Vijayawada: Demolition of Peerla Panja, which is considered as a holy structure, sparked protests here on Sunday. Local residents and the YSRCP activists at Wynchpet protested against the demolition of the structure. Supporters of a local Telugu Desam leader Saleem demolished the dome and structure of the Panja and tried to convert the site into a mutton shop.

But the police responded immediately and stopped the encroachment. Muslims built a small dargah a few years ago in 30 square yards and used to offer prayers during Moharram Problem began on Sunday early morning when some unidentified persons belonging to a TDP leader demolished the small structure and removed the flags and other material. Some local Muslims consider it as a holy place and worship during Moharram.

It is learnt that the local Telugu Desam leader Saleem procured a document to encroach the land. He claimed that he had purchased the site. But the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation officials and police made it clear it was a fake document. After noticing the demolition of the structure, local Muslims informed the Two Town police. In turn, they immediately rushed to the spot located near Gandhi Bomma centre.

DCP (Law and order) Nawab Jaan, West ACP K Sudhakar and two town police monitored the situation and pacified the protestors. YSRCP Vijayawada Parliamentary constituency Minority Cell convener Gouse Mohiuddin alleged that the local TDP leader Saleem had tried to convert the holy place into a mutton shop.

Former MLA and YSRCP leader Velampalli Srinivas visited the Gandhi Bomma centre and expressed solidarity with the protestors. West ACP K Sudhakar said the dispute was solved amicably. He said the accused had produced fake documents claiming that he had purchased the site. He said the site belongs to the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation.