HYDERABAD: A violence broke out in Andhra after the Konaseema district was renamed BR Ambedkar Konaseema. Protesters set fire to the house of a minister and an MLA. The incident took place in Amalapuram town.

Protesters opposing the proposal to rename the district attacked the residence of Transport minister P. Viswaroop, torched few vehicles and resorted to stone pelting, triggering tension in the town. The house of MLA Ponnada Satheesh was also set on fire by the attackers. Protesters also set fire to a police vehicle and a college bus. Twenty policemen were injured in the attack.

Konaseema district was formed from East Godavari district. On May 18, the state government issued a notification inviting objections and suggestions on the proposal to rename the Konaseema district after Dr Ambedkar. The government sought suggestions and objections from the people residing within Konaseema. The violence broke out amid this.