Tribals thrash Andhra politicians over proposed mining project

Hundreds of tribals went on a rampage in protest of proposed mining of China clay in Sarayi village in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday and beat up politicians representing the area.

Tribal women chased Telugu Desam Party (TDP) lawmaker Siveru Soma, and turned on Korra Dhanne Rao, a local leader, and beat them up.

Soma and Rao had gone to speak to the villagers. Rao is the chief of the Mandal Praja Parishad.

Both were shoved around and chased by the angry women.

The agitated villagers also threw cow dung and mud on them, and vandalised their vehicles.

The tribals have expressed their anger over an Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board order canceling the mandatory public hearing on the project, fearing trouble.

The tribals want the government to cancel a mining lease granted to a local entrepreneur.