Situation in Andhra Pradesh city under control

Vijayawada, Aug 6: The situation in One Town Area, also called the Old City, here remained peaceful this morning after two groups pelted stones at each other last night injuring four police personnel and a scribe.

A top police official told UNI heavy police forces were deployed at Wynchipet where the clashes took place following elopement of a boy and a girl belonging to different faiths on Monday last.

Though the situation was tense till past midnight last night it came under control after City Police Commissioner K V Rajendranath Reddy held discussions with family members of both sides.

The official said police pickets were also posted in the area to prevent any further clashes.

Trouble began after Malla Rajesh, alias Nalla, (22), an autorickshaw driver, married Shabana Begum.

While the boy's parents reportedly had no objection to the marriage, the girl's side alleged the boy misled and married her against her wishes.

Provocative remarks made by some people from both the faiths sparked off the clashes.

In the discussions held between the police commissioner and the family members of both the sides early today, Mr Reddy reportedly suggested they would counsel the girl and if she agreed, they could take her back.

The proposal was accepted by the boy's family members also.

Meanwhile, police clamped Sec 144 in Wynchipet Area and asked people not to assemble in groups.

An all-party meeting appealed for calm among members of both the sides.

UNI