No leniency for lawlessness: Babu

Toll Plaza issue

Kalyandurg MLA Amilineni Surendra Babu was returning from Tirumala along with his associates. Despite identifying the MLA’s vehicle, toll staff reportedly asked for payment of the toll fee, triggering a confrontation

Metro India News | AMARAVATI 

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has made it clear that any attempt to take the law into one’s own hands will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Expressing strong anger over the assault on toll plaza staff in Annamayya district, the Chief Minister directed police authorities to immediately register cases and initiate stringent action against those responsible.

The incident occurred at the Gandaboyinapalle toll plaza on the Madanapalle–Tirupati national highway. According to reports, Kalyandurg MLA Amilineni Surendra Babu was returning from Tirumala along with his associates. Despite identifying the MLA’s vehicle, toll staff reportedly asked for payment of the toll fee, triggering a confrontation.

What followed was a serious escalation. The MLA’s supporters, along with a gunman, allegedly lost their temper and attacked the toll personnel. Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage indicate that the assailants questioned the authority of staff to stop an MLA’s vehicle, leading to verbal abuse and physical violence.

In a disturbing turn, the gunman is said to have damaged the toll barrier and assaulted the toll plaza manager, Ravi. A woman employee, Srilatha, was also attacked, reportedly dragged by her hair and beaten. The visuals captured on CCTV have sparked widespread outrage, raising concerns over the safety of frontline workers and misuse of political influence. Notably, sources indicate that the MLA remained inside his vehicle during the incident, even as the situation escalated outside.

Taking serious note of the episode, the Chief Minister instructed senior police officials to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law. He emphasised that public representatives and their associates are equally bound by legal norms, and any violation would invite strict consequences.