Stir over desecration of Ambedkar statue

Kakinada, Feb 25 (UNI) Various Dalit associations today blocked traffic on Kakinada-Samalkot road over 'desecrating' a statue of Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar near the Ladies Club here.

Police said a shoe was found placed on the statue this morning.

Dalits, led by Struggle Committee Against Caste Discrimination district president Pitta Vara Prasad staged a rasta-roko.

Top police officers, however, held discussions with leaders and persuaded them to call of the stir.

Later, Dalit organisations, under the banner of various political parties, gathered in front of the Collectorate and condemned Rajahmundry MP Vundavilli Arunakumar's recent 'objectionable' remarks against Dr Ambedkar.

They demanded registering of cases against the Congress MP under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act.

UNI XR VA JJ 1721