The Vijayawada police have arrested two persons in connection with boats flooding to Prakasam Barrage and damaging gates. Three boats were washed out in floods from Gollapudi and reached Prakasam Barrage gates on September 1. They caused damage to the 67, 69 and 70 gates and the counter weights.
The irrigation department officials have lodged a complaint with the police seeking enqury into the boats mishap. The police found that the boats belong to Kukkalagadda Ushadri of Gollapudi. They were originally positioned at Uddandarayunipalem on Guntur side in the river. However, they were brought to Gollapudi a couple of days ago, before the floods.
The police on registering the case arrested Ushadri and his friend, Komatireddy Rammohan in the case. The police are also investigating into the possible involvement of YSR Congress MLC Talasila Raghuram, who is closely related to Rammohan. The police are also investigating the involvement of former MP Nandigam Suresh who is also close to Ushadri.
The police said that they are looking into every possibility. They are also investigating if the YSR Congress is involved in the case. If that was proved, they would take action against all those who are involved in the case.
The police are suspecting conspiracy angle in the incident. They believe that the YSR Congress leaders have left the boats to float in the flood water and cause damage to the gates. Each boat weights about 50 tonns and there is a possibility of the boats causing damage to the gates.
