Kanneganti Hanumanthu was a prominent freedom fighter. He was born as the second child of Shri Venkataiah and Smt Atchamma in an ordinary Telagabalija family in Durgi Mandal, Kolagat, in the Palnadu region of Guntur district.
Kanneganti Hanumanthu was a Gandhian. He fought for the freedom of the country through non-violence. He was enraged by the conditions and humiliation suffered by the Indians under British tyranny. The older generation wholeheartedly accepted Kanneganti's leadership.
British General T. G. Rutherford hatched a conspiracy to capture Kanneganti with temptations. But Kanneganti, an impeccable patriot did not fall for the temptations.
On the morning of 26 February 1922, some forest and revenue department officials came to Minchala Padu. The British troops besieged the village. He was also brutally shot dead in the encounter.
Guntur district is named after Kanneganti Hanumanthu, who showed great courage and struggle.
Source: T. Sui Devi, Contributor for CCRT