Angry locals go on rampage following fire at factory

Tension prevailed in the area around the factory of Deccan Fine Chemicals in Rajavaram area under Payakaraopeta mandal of the district today as a group of locals indulged in stone-pelting.
A major fire had broken out at the company's warehouse on Sunday evening.
A large number of people from Rajavaram, Gajapathinagaram, Rajanagaram, Kesavaram and Venkatnagaram today went on a rampage pelting stones at the factory and the police had to use cane-charge to disperse them.
The protesters, many of them women, demanded immediate closure of the factory or shifting of the five villages from its vicinity, saying it poses a risk to their lives.

They also gheraoed Revenue Divisional Officer from Narsipatnam K Surya Rao.
Inspector K Venkata Rao of Yellamanchili police station said the situation was now under control and police were patrolling the area.