'Pulling down' of MP Rajagopal: Case against Telangana activists

Hyderabad A criminal case was registered on Thursday against some pro-Telangana activists in connection with "pulling down" of Congress MP Lagadapati Rajagopal from dais during a dharna organised by the Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers' (APNGOs) Association which supports the cause of united state, police said.

A case under section 352 (punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation) of IPC was registered at the Gandhi Nagar police station on the complaint lodged by a representative of APNGO, a senior police officer told.

The incident occurred at Indira Park here on Wednesday.

"No one has been arrested so far...We are examining the video footage and proceed further after collecting more details (on the alleged incident)", the officer said.

Local TV channels showed Rajagopal, who represents Vijaywada Lok Sabha seat, falling down as he was about to address the APNGO activists who organised the protest against the draft AP Re-organisation Bill-2013.

Some pro-Telangana activists were seen near the stage holding flags of Telangana Yuva Shakti and raising slogans in support of the separate state after which the event was briefly disrupted.

The dharna, otherwise passed off peacefully except a minor scuffle between some members of APNGOs Association and pro-Telangana activists following the incident.