Teacher mowed down by van, beaten to death

VISAKHAPATNAM: A group of people riding a van mowed down a government teacher riding a two-wheeler on Saturday. Occupants of the van then beat the teacher with rods and lathis to make sure that he died.

This gory incident took place in Vommi Kothapeta locality within Rajam town police station limits of Vizianagaram district. Police say the murder is due to political rivalry.

Eyewitness said the teacher, identified as Agireddy Krishna, was proceeding to school from his home on a two-wheeler. A group of people following him in a van hit the bike at high speed. The teacher got dragged for over 100 metres on the road. Occupants of the van then rushed out and killed Krishna by attacking him with iron rods and sticks.

Rajam police inspector Ravi Kumar said Krishna is a popular leader and active in politics. He supported TDP in 2021 panchayat elections and ensured its candidate’s election. This antagonised the loser Maradana Venkata Naidu, who is the local YSRC leader.

“We are collecting evidence against Venkata Naidu,” the inspector said.

The death of the teacher has sparked protests in Rajam town. Protestors blocked the main road demanding immediate action against the accused.

Deceased Krishna (58) was a native of Uddavolu village in Therlam mandal of Vizianagaram district. He taught at the government school in Kallam Rajupeta village in Therlam mandal.