Mudragada rejects CBI probe offer into Tuni violence

The Andhra Pradesh government made the first move to break the impasse over the fast-unto-death by Kapu supremo Mudragada Padmanabham, stating it would institute a CBI inquiry if the Kapu leader gave up his fast. The message was passed on to the fasting leader through the Superintendent of Police Ravi Prakash. But Mudragada summarily rejected the offer, demanding the release of all those arrested in connection with Tuni violence forthwith. Sources said Mudragada told the SP that he had gone on fast demanding the release of the arrested Kapu leaders. If the police released them, he would give up fast. The administration is contending that it was after 4 months of comprehensive investigation that it was able to identify and arrest the masked men who burnt down the passing by Ratnachal Express at Tuni.