Assassination of Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga

On 26 December 1988, Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga, a prominent political leader in Andhra Pradesh, India and a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), was assassinated during a hunger strike in Vijayawada. His death triggered widespread riots and violence across the state, particularly in the Coastal districts of Krishna, Guntur, East Godavari, and West Godavari. The unrest resulted in 42 deaths, extensive property damage estimated at ₹200–300 crore (equivalent to ₹800–1200 crore in 2024) in Vijayawada alone, and a curfew in the city that lasted over 40 days.

The political fallout included the resignation of the state's Home Minister and the director general of police (DGP). Although 44 individuals, including prominent political figures, were arrested, all surviving accused were acquitted by 2002 due to insufficient evidence. Ranga’s assassination remains a significant event in Andhra Pradesh's political history, underscoring deep-seated rivalries and its lasting impact on the state’s socio-political fabric.