TDP protests Naidu's 'manhandling'

Andhra Pradesh erupted in protests on Tuesday after the Maharashtra police allegedly "manhandled" detained Telugu Desam president  and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

As the news spread, hundreds of TDP workers came out on the streets across the state, shouting slogans against the Congress governments both in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The incident left a Member of Parliament Nama Nageshwara Rao and two MLAs E Dayakar Rao and Kamlakar injured.

ITI complex in Dharmabad, where TDP leaders were lodged since Friday last, witnessed high drama late last night when the Maharashtra police tried to forcibly shift Naidu and others after midnight. On seeking the rickety condition of the bus, in which they were asked to board, Naidu burst out at the officials, "You are treating us worse than the beggars. Is this the way your chief minister travels".

"You convey my anger and my anguish", he told them. While getting down from the bus, Naidu fell down on the ground. According to reports, he remained outside the building throughout the night with other colleagues.

Fresh trouble started in the morning when attempts were made by the policemen to separate Naidu from other leaders which was resisted by TDP leaders. When the police asked them to board the buses, they demanded to know where they were being taken. It led to heated exchanges and commotion.

Though Naidu and others were under judicial custody, police used lathis on them. D Narendra, one of the TDP legislators under custody, said over phone that the policemen had raised their hands at Naidu and when others tried to defend him, they were beaten up.

Later, Naidu and 36 others were taken in a bus to Aurangabad.

Biggest procession in protest was taken out in Tirupati, led by popular film star Mohan Babu, in which more than 10,000college students participated.