Naxal emissaries in custody

Vara Vara Rao, a 64-year-old senior functionary of the Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (Revolutionary Writers Association), was arrested at his residence near Nalgonda crossroads amid high drama early this morning. Kalyana Rao, who is the president of the Sangham, was taken into custody in the evening soon after he addressed a news conference at the Journalists Union building, condemning the ban.

While Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy refused to comment on the arrests, DGP Swaranjit Sen warned that all those who ‘‘incite violence’’ would be arrested.

A team of senior police officers went to Vara Vara Rao’s apartment at Malakpet in the morning and took him in custody amidst protests from family members and supporters. Rao, who played a key role in the peace initiative as an emissary of the Maoists during the talks held with the Andhra Pradesh government in October last year, entered into a heated argument with the police by insisting on production of arrest warrant. The police, however, ignored the protests and took him to Chaderghat police station.

Kalyana Rao’s arrest did not come without drama either. Even as he was pushed into the waiting police van, other Virasam leaders lay down in front of the vehicle and had to be dragged aside.

Vara Vara Rao was produced in court and remanded in judicial custody till August 29. Kalyana Rao was taken to Saifabad police station and is likely to be produced in court tomorrow. Vara Vara Rao moved his bail plea which the judge posted for hearing on August 22.

Balladeer and another former emissary of the CPI (Maoist) Gadar met the Chief Minister at his residence. ‘‘The Chief Minister said that law will take its own course,’’ Gadar, who earlier staged a sit-in at the Chaderghat police station, told reporters.

Asked whether Gadar could be arrested, Swaranjit Sen said: ‘‘He can be taken into custody if his statements amount to encouraging violence.’’