Tension prevailed at the West Bypass toll plaza near Vedurupavuluru on the outskirts of Gannavaram mandal in Krishna district after 18 tipper lorries, reportedly belonging to Denduluru TDP MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar, allegedly refused to pay the toll fee.
The vehicles were reportedly travelling from Eluru towards Kondapalli when toll plaza staff stopped them and asked the drivers to pay the applicable toll charges. The drivers allegedly objected to the demand, questioning why they should pay the toll fee for their vehicles.
The argument between the drivers and toll plaza personnel soon escalated, creating tension at the toll plaza.
Tippers Block Toll Gate, Traffic Stretches for 4 Kilometres
When the toll plaza staff reportedly made it clear that the vehicles would not be allowed through without payment, the drivers allegedly parked the tippers across the toll gates.
The blockade resulted in a major traffic disruption on the West Bypass, with vehicles reportedly stranded for nearly four kilometres.
Four ambulances were also caught in the traffic congestion. They had to be diverted through an alternative route to avoid the blockade and continue their journey.
Police Intervene as Situation Turns Tense
Police personnel reached the spot after the situation escalated. However, the drivers allegedly refused to comply with the police instructions, further increasing tensions at the toll plaza.
According to reports, 10 of the tipper lorries eventually passed through the toll gate by allegedly hitting or forcing their way through the barrier. Police reportedly stopped the remaining eight vehicles.
One driver was taken into custody after allegedly behaving aggressively with police personnel.
Allegations of Toll Plaza High-Handedness Involving TDP Leaders
The incident has triggered criticism amid allegations that similar incidents involving TDP leaders and their supporters have been reported at toll plazas in different parts of Andhra Pradesh since the coalition government came to power.
Critics allege that political influence is increasingly being used to challenge toll collection rules and intimidate toll plaza personnel.
Earlier Controversy at Valmikipuram Toll Plaza
In Annamayya district, allegations were earlier raised against supporters of Kalyandurg TDP MLA Amilineni Surendra Babu following an incident at the Gandaboyinapalle toll plaza in Valmikipuram mandal.
The allegations surfaced after a vehicle associated with the MLA was reportedly stopped at the toll plaza. Supporters were accused of assaulting toll plaza staff over the issue.
Reports also claimed that some supporters behaved aggressively towards women employees. CCTV footage from the toll plaza was reportedly said to have captured the incident.
Allegations at Halaharvi Toll Plaza
Another controversy was reported at the Halaharvi toll plaza in Nandavaram mandal, where TDP leader Palakurthi Srinivas Reddy was accused of objecting to toll collection.
He was allegedly involved in an argument with toll plaza employees and accused of abusing and assaulting staff over the toll fee issue.
Toll Employee Abduction Allegation in Srisailam
A separate incident in the Srisailam region of Nandyal district also drew attention when supporters of MLA Budda Rajasekhar Reddy were accused of forcibly taking a toll plaza employee away in a car.
The incident reportedly triggered considerable controversy at the time and added to concerns over alleged political interference at toll plazas.
Questions Over Political Influence at Toll Plazas
The latest incident involving the 18 tipper lorries has once again brought the issue of toll collection and political influence into focus.
Critics argue that even routine matters such as paying toll fees should not become occasions for displaying political power or influence. Allegations that ruling-party leaders or their supporters are using political backing to challenge toll staff and bypass rules have raised concerns among the public.
Demand for Strict Action
The repeated allegations of clashes, intimidation and disruption at toll plazas have led to demands for stronger action from the government.
Critics are calling for the authorities to investigate such incidents impartially and take action under the law against anyone found responsible, irrespective of their political affiliation.
The latest episode at the West Bypass toll plaza is therefore likely to add to the ongoing debate over whether political influence is being used to interfere with routine toll collection and law enforcement in Andhra Pradesh.
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