TDP MLA surrenders before police

Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, Sep 18 (UNI) Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Legislator Karanam Balaram, who had allegedly 'misbehaved' with District Collector Udaya Lakshmi, surrendered before police this evening.

Police also arrested the TDP activists who organised protest march against the police for 'foisting' the case on their leader.

The TDP activists were also caned by the police as they proceeded towards the Collectorate in the town.

In Hyderabad, TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu, in a statement, termed the incident as unfortunate and said the party had regard for officials and would fight the case in the court.

Mr Balaram was charged for allegedly abusing the Collector yesterday before the media while leading a demonstration by displaced people of the Gundlakamma Project.

A case was registered at the Maddipadu Police Station against the MLA.

In protest, the Collectorate staff wore black badges and abstained from duty.

Demanding an apology to Ms Lakshmi from the TDP MLA, District Congress Committee (DCC) leaders and activists took out rally.

The Andhra Pradesh IAS Officers' Association strongly condemned the 'indecent' and 'high-handed' behaviour of the public representative against the collector.

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