AP: 4 Cong workers held for releasing black balloons in PM's flight path

Four Congress workers were arrested for releasing black balloons after PM Modi's chopper took off from Gannavaram Airport near Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh. Police said there was no security breach on his arrival amid Congress protest and balloons were released five minutes after the Prime Minister's helicopter left and arrests have been made.

The Prime Minister reached the airport after launching a year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram in the state.

Police officials said that a strict security cordon was laid around the airport.

Vijay Pal, DSP, Krishna District said four Congress workers have been arrested in the case and a few more are yet to be arrested.

"The four arrested Congress workers will be produced before the court," he said.

Police said there was no security breach during PM Modi's arrival at Gannavaram Airport and that balloons were released five minutes after PM's departure from the airport via chopper.

In his address to that gathering to mark the year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of Alluri Sitarama Raju, the Prime Minister said he is feeling privileged at getting an opportunity to salute the land of Andhra Pradesh which has such a rich legacy. He referred to the confluence of major events like Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju and 100 years of Rampa Rebellion.

The Prime Minister bowed to the memory of "Manyam Veerudu" Alluri Sitarama Raju and paid him tributes on behalf of the country. He also expressed happiness at meeting the members of the family of the great freedom fighter. The Prime Minister also paid tributes to the 'Adivasi Parampara' and the freedom fighter that emerged from the tradition of Andhra Pradesh.

PM Modi said that today's programme reflects the pledge of making everyone aware of the heroic deeds of the country's freedom fighters.