Tension prevailed at S.S. Konda village in Gangadhara Nellore mandal on Friday following a clash between operators of two belt shops. The situation turned violent reportedly after one of the shops began selling liquor at significantly lower prices, drawing large crowds and affecting the business of the other.

Villagers informed the police that the shop offering cheaper liquor was allegedly run by a local leader of the opposition party, earning him substantial profits running into several thousands of rupees. Enraged by the loss in business, the rival shop owner allegedly orchestrated an attack on his competitor, who sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the area hospital at Gangadhara Nellore.

Village elders intervened and tried to pacify both sides, but tension continued to simmer. Police personnel rushed to the spot and launched an investigation to ascertain whether the low-priced liquor was spurious and if it had any links to the Mulakalacheruvu liquor scam that recently came to light in the neighbouring Annamayya district.