Kadapa Official Faces Show-Cause Notice Over Tea Stall Demolition Attempt
In a swift administrative action, the Kadapa district collector has directed the municipal commissioner of Proddatur to serve a show-cause notice to an assistant town planner for alleged high-handedness in dealing with a tea stall encroachment case. The incident, which sparked public outrage after going viral on social media, highlights tensions between municipal enforcement and small business owners.
Incident Stemming from Coffee Portion Dispute
The controversy erupted when Assistant Town Planner I Nagaraju reportedly became angered after the owner of a tea stall on Gandhi Road refused to serve coffee in what is locally known as a "1/3" portion. Within minutes of this disagreement, Nagaraju allegedly brought a municipal JCB (earth-moving equipment) to the site with the intention of demolishing the stall's ramp, which was said to be encroaching on a drain canal.
The dramatic confrontation escalated when the tea stall owner resisted the demolition attempt by lying on the ground in protest, daring the JCB operator to run over him. This tense standoff was captured on video by bystanders and quickly spread across various social media platforms, drawing widespread attention and criticism of the official's methods.
Administrative Response and Investigation
Following the viral video and subsequent public outcry, Kadapa District Collector Dr. Sreedhar Cherukuri took immediate cognisance of the matter. The collector specifically cited concerns about alleged high-handedness in the official's approach to enforcement.
On Friday, acting on the collector's direct orders, Proddatur Municipal Commissioner Ravinchandra Reddy formally served the show-cause notice to Assistant Town Planner Nagaraju. The notice demands a detailed explanation for why the official attempted to remove the tea stall ramp without issuing any prior notice to the owner, as required by standard municipal procedures.
The collector's directive explicitly states that if Nagaraju's explanation proves unsatisfactory, further disciplinary action will be initiated against him. This administrative response underscores the importance of following proper protocol even when addressing clear violations of municipal regulations.
Broader Implications and Context
This incident raises several important questions about municipal governance and enforcement practices:
- The balance between enforcing anti-encroachment regulations and respecting due process
- The appropriate use of municipal machinery and personnel in routine enforcement actions
- The relationship between municipal officials and small business owners in urban areas
- The role of social media in holding public officials accountable for their actions
While the tea stall's ramp was reportedly encroaching on a drain canal—a legitimate municipal concern—the manner of attempted enforcement has become the central issue. The district administration's prompt response suggests recognition that proper procedures must be followed regardless of the violation being addressed.
The case continues to develop as officials await the assistant town planner's formal response to the show-cause notice. The outcome may set important precedents for how similar encroachment cases are handled across the district in the future.
