Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Mandapeta Demolitions Trigger Clash Over Canal-Bund Houses
Officials demolished 14 houses in Mandapeta because they said the homes were built on a canal bund and were encroachments.
They said the land was needed for development before Godavari Pushkaralu-2027.
YSRC MLC Thota Trimurthulu and his supporters tried to stop the demolition.
He said the residents had lived there for a long time and should receive other homes first.
He also said the houses were not blocking the planned work.
Police deployed about 300 personnel at the site.
Tension followed, and police registered cases against two people and others.
Trimurthulu was later arrested and taken to his residence.
He accused the government of targeting poor residents, while officials said they were following government directions.
Municipal authorities demolished 14 houses on a canal bund in Mandapeta, East Godavari district, on Sunday.
The demolition was conducted under government directions for development works ahead of Godavari Pushkaralu-2027.
YSRC MLC Thota Trimurthulu and party workers tried to stop the action, leading to tension and police intervention.
Police registered cases against two people and others, and Trimurthulu was later arrested and taken to his residence.
Authorities said the houses were encroachments, while Trimurthulu demanded alternative accommodation and disputed their impact on the event’s preparations.
- Who
- Mandapeta municipal authorities, YSRC MLC Thota Trimurthulu and party workers, residents, and police.
- What
- Fourteen houses were demolished, followed by a confrontation, police cases, and Trimurthulu’s arrest.
- When
- Sunday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- A canal bund in Mandapeta, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh; Trimurthulu was taken to his residence in Venkatayapalem.
- Why
- Authorities said the demolitions were required for government-directed development works ahead of Godavari Pushkaralu-2027; Trimurthulu said alternative housing should be provided first and disputed the need for removal.
Municipal Authorities and Government Position
Thota Trimurthulu and YSRC Position
Reason for demolition
Municipal Authorities and Government Position
Officials said the houses were encroachments on a canal bund and were being removed under government directions for development works before Godavari Pushkaralu-2027.
Thota Trimurthulu and YSRC Position
Trimurthulu said the houses were not obstructing the Pushkaralu works and alleged that poor residents were being forcibly displaced in the name of development.
Alternative accommodation
Municipal Authorities and Government Position
The authorities proceeded with the demolition as part of the stated development plan.
Thota Trimurthulu and YSRC Position
Trimurthulu said residents should be given alternative accommodation before their homes were removed because they had lived there for a long time.
Land-clearing allegation
Municipal Authorities and Government Position
Trimurthulu alleged, but the article does not independently verify, that the land was being cleared for 10 acres belonging to Mandapeta MLA Vegulla Jogeswara Rao of the Telugu Desam Party.
Thota Trimurthulu and YSRC Position
Trimurthulu accused the alliance government of supporting what he called a “Red Book Constitution” and said the YSRC would support the affected residents.
- Houses demolished
- 14
- Location
- Canal bund in Mandapeta, East Godavari district
- Stated purpose
- Development works ahead of Godavari Pushkaralu-2027
- Police deployment
- Nearly 300 personnel, including a DSP, CI, SIs, and women Home Guards
- Legal action
- Cases were registered against two persons and others
- Political representative
- YSRC MLC Thota Trimurthulu
- Municipal official
- Commissioner T.V. Ranga Rao