Police in Seemandhra put on alert

The police were asked to be on alert in view of the massive ongoing agitations, the Brahmotsavam festival at the temple town of Tirumala and the forthcoming festival season, he added.

Additional forces, including central para-military teams, have already been deployed in the region after Congress took the decision to support the formation of Telangana state on July 30.

Sources said a communication from the Union Home Ministry had earlier asked the state police to be prepared, indicating that the cabinet decision was in the offing.