Man stabbed by rivals dies after five days; kin allege police negligence

Tirupati: A 44-year-old man, who was allegedly stabbed by his rivals, died on Thursday after battling for life for five days at the S.V.R. Ruia Government Hospital in Tirupati. The deceased, Y. Venkatesh, a resident of ST Krishna Reddy Colony in the Mallamgunta panchayat of Tirupati rural, was allegedly attacked on November 6.

According to MR Palle circle inspector Surender Reddy, Venkatesh was stabbed with a sharp object by a group of over seven people, who were inebriated, over a petty issue while consuming alcohol. He was taken to the hospital by his family, but succumbed to stab wounds and damage to internal organs.

The police initially booked an FIR under Section 307 of the IPC based on a complaint filed by family members of the deceased, but after the victim's death, the section was changed to 302 of the IPC.

Meanwhile, family members of the deceased alleged that Venkatesh died as a result of police negligence. According to the family, they complained to the MR Palle police, requesting action because Venkatesh’s rivals posed a threat to his life. The family also alleged that the police failed to register a case because a ruling party leader intimidated them.

When contacted, Tirupati SP P. Parameswara Reddy stated that the department has recommended departmental proceedings against those who failed to take timely action when the victim reportedly complained on November 4 via call that he is receiving death threats from his rival gang. He said departmental action will be initiated against those on duty on November 4, when the victim called the police helpline.