The Andhra Pradesh police is taking no chances, as Kapu leaders in the state are organising a 'Chalo Amaravati' programme from Kirlampudi in East Godavari district to Amaravati, the state's capital, on July 26.
The Times of India reported that Kirlampudi is virtually under siege, with the state deploying over 3,000 police personnel and opening 20 check-posts around the village.
Alleging that the police were taking written assurances from the youth, that they would not join the yatra, Kapu JAC convener Vasireddi Yesudas told TOI, "We have promised to conduct the peace march in a Gandhian way. It is for the police to provide protection and see that anti-social elements do not take advantage."
This comes in the backdrop of the police making it clear that no permission would be granted, and the state would actively work to foil the walkathon.
Director-General of Police (DGP) N. Sambasiva Rao has already appealed to youngsters, asking them not to participate in the padayatra.
Keeping in view the violence that had broken out in the past, he advised the youth not to involve themselves, and spoil their future.
“We have decided to deny permission in wake of violence during his (Mudragada) previous public meet. If anything goes wrong, the police will not be mere spectators. We will take stern action against those indulging in violence. We will take action against those who support the padayatra as well," the DGP was quoted as saying.
At the height of the Kapu agitation in January 2016, activists set fire to the Ratnachal Express at Tuni in East Godavari district.
Following this, the TDP government constituted the Manjunatha Commission to look into the issue.
Angered by the delay in the Commission's report, Kapu leaders are now planning the 400-km Padayatra. that would cover the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur.
Last week, the CID said that it was preparing to file its first chargesheet in the Tuni arson case.
According to reports, more than 25 separate chargesheets would be filed by CID in all the cases, with Mudragada as the main accused, for his alleged role in inciting violence, during the Kapu Garjana Mahasabha held in East Godavari district.