A compound wall belonging to former Army Jawan Pathivada Venku Naidu from Nellimarla Mandal of Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh was demolished by government officials a couple of days ago as it was illegally encroached with the support of YSRCP leaders. Though the villagers complained about the unlawful occupation long back when the YSR Congress party was power and necessary instructions were given by the MRO concerned, revenue officials didn’t follow the orders due to political pressures from the local leaders.
Now that the new government came into force, the demolition was carried out as per the previous orders because the wall was constructed in the land belonging to the famous Ramatheerthalu temple in Nellimarla. This incident sparked a huge political controversy as the YSR Congress party supporters and the Jawan claimed that he was targeted because of his political affiliations. Even former minister from Uttarandhra and prominent leader from YSRCP Botsa Satyanarayana also held a press meet and alleged that the ruling party razed the wall only because he voted for Jagan in the recent elections.
Meanwhile, villagers expressed happiness over the demolition act because they allege that the army Jawan occupied the public property which is meant to serve as a passage for movement and constructed the wall. They lashed out the Jawan for not responding to the notices of the government and using a sympathy card to cover up his encroachment. They further pointed out that he threatened the villagers by using the names of Botsa Satyanarayana and Chinna Srinu ( ZPTC Chairman from YSRCP).
The villagers further stated that they complained about this illegal occupation to the government in 2022 through ‘Spandana’ forum, but no action was taken by anyone because of the support from local political leaders. Now, the authorities acted on the notice and immediately razed the wall.