Chandrababu Naidu, 20 TDP Leaders Charged with Attempt to Murder in Annamayya Violence Case

N. Chandrababu Naidu, the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and current head of the TDP, along with 20 other party officials, were arrested on August 9 and charged with attempt murder, rioting, and criminal conspiracy in relation to the recent unrest in Annamayya district.

Based on a complaint made by one Umpathy Reddy, the Mudivedu police have filed a FIR in which Chandrababu Naidu is listed as the primary culprit.

Nallari Kishore, D. Ramesh, G. Narhari, S. Chinnababu, P. Nani, and others were also nominated, in addition to former minister Devineni Uma and veteran politician Amarnath Reddy.

Watch as police detain TDP president Chandrababu Naidu's convoy amid reports of violence in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor and Annamayya districts.

When Chandrababu Naidu went to the Rayalaseema area on August 4 to check on the progress of irrigation projects, violence broke out in the town of Anagallu. During a rally criticizing Naidu's visit, members of the governing YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) reportedly tore the flex banners of the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), sparking violent clashes. NSG commandos stepped in to protect the former Chief Minister, who has Z-plus category security, when YSRCP supporters reportedly threw stones at his motorcade.

When police prevented TDP members from entering Punganur without a permit, violence broke out in the neighboring town. Stones were thrown at police, and two cars were set on fire. In the following chaos, more than 50 police officers were hurt. Seventy members of the TDP have been detained for their involvement in the violence at Punganur. Naidu has previously accused Energy Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and the police of helping the governing party in order to cover up the violence.

However, Chittoor SP Y. Rishanth Reddy said the violence was organized and blamed TDP members for hitting police officers while straying from the intended path to Punganur. The SP said that Naidu had referred to the governing party's MLA as "Ravana" and incited TDP members to assault YSRCP workers and police.