An FIR was filed against TDP senior leader Ashok Gajapthi Raju in the Vizianagaram district, by AP police, at Nellimarla Police station, following a complaint lodged by temple executive officer Prasad Rao. Raju was booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Raju was booked for allegedly using criminal force to force stop a public servant from discharging his duty, thereby damaging public property and creating a nuisance. Raju and his supporters have been accused of removing the plaque installed to lay the foundation for the reconstruction of the Ramatheertham temple, resulting in the violation of protocol and temple traditions. The incident took place minutes before Deputy CM Pushpa Srivani and endowments minister V.Srinivas laid the foundation.
Raju now got a major relief for the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which directed the AP police to not proceed against Ashok on the FIR filed against him in the case, until further orders from the HC.