Hyderabad: Karimnagar DIG C. Ravi Varma has been replaced by Pramod Kumar and Adilabad and Asifabad SPs Mitta Srinivas and Sunpreet Singh respectively were stripped of their positions over the Utnoor clashes between Adivasis and Lambadas which led to tensions on Saturday.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao took the decision after reviewing the situation with the higher officials. CM is reported to have expressed his disappointment over the functioning of the DGP and SPs in containing the clashes.

While Vishnu replaces Srinivas as Adilabad SP, Kamaleshwar Singewar has been appointed the SP of Asifabad district. The sacked SPs were instructed to report at the DGP office.

Tension prevailed in Indravelli mandal center when Adivasis attempted to open commercial establishments during a bandh call given by Lambadas in protest against manhandling a Lambada teacher in Utnoor on Thursday.

However, the police brought the situation under control. The ongoing feud between Adivasis and Lambadas continued to grow with the two groups staging protests and counter protests. The effect of the clashes also spread to other districts in the state.

Protesting over the alleged attack on Adivasis by Lambadas in Adilabad district, Adivasi unions staged dharnas at different places in Bhupalpally district.

Adivasis also obstructed the works at Medaram where Sammakka Saralamma jatara is to be held from January 31 to February 3, 2018.

The Adivasi unions also urged the shop owners, management of the educational institutions and others to observe bandh in support of the Adivasis in Eturnagaram town in the district on Saturday.

Lambadas staged protest at various places of Nizamabad district, against attacks on the tribal people at Adilabad on Friday. They staged protest at Indalwai, Nizamabad, Jakaranpally, Yedapalli and other mandals. In Indalwai mandal, they staged protest on NH-43 at Gannaram toll plaza creating hurdles to the public on National Highway.

The police ordered the stoppage of internet services in Utnoor and surrounding areas to avoid a further flare-up of the issue.