VIJAYAWADA: Tension prevailed in Machilipatnam on Saturday afternoon when police took former minister and TDP polit bureau member Kollu Ravindra into custody for staging a protest against the demolition of illegal constructions. Alleging that a few shops were constructed at Chintachettu Centre without permission from the officials concerned, Machilipatnam town planning officials took up a demolition drive.
Ravindra reached the spot and questioned officials for not serving notices before the demolition drive.
A heated argument ensued between police and TDP leaders and Ravindra staged a sit-in. Police took him into custody and sent him to Inagudur police station. The TDP leader was released in the evening after taking surety.