Andhra Pradesh: 2 killed in faction feud in Prakasam
In addition to old rivalries, a petty issue at the marriage between the two groups led to the attack, according to locals.
Nellore: In a gory incident at Vemavaram village of Ballikurava mandal in Prakasam district, two persons were killed and five others injured critically in an attack allegedly by the followers of Gottipati on Friday night.
The incident took place when the victims were returning home after attending a marriage in Marturu. The assailants threw chilli powder on the victims when their vehicle slowed down near a speed-breaker and hacked them to death after a hot chase. In addition to old rivalries, a petty issue at the marriage between the two groups led to the attack, according to locals.
The deceased have been identified as G. Anjaiah and Y. Ramakotaiah and the condition of two among the five injured, who are undergoing treatment in the general hospital at Guntur, was stated to be critical.
The situation is volatile in the otherwise peaceful village because of the murders. Section 144 has been clamped on the habitation and Prakasam SP Thrivikrama Vara has been camping in the village.
Taking a serious view of the incident, the chief minister has directed DGP Sambasiva Rao to probe the incident and arrest the accused irrespective of their political affiliations.
Meanwhile, Guntur range IG Sanjay said they have booked cases against 17 persons including the three main accused in the incident, and expressed confidence they will be arrested shortly.
Speaking to the media at Ongole on Saturday, he said Malempati Venkateswarlu, Gottipati Maruthi and Malempati Chinnodu were the main accused in the murders.
After releasing photographs of the accused to the media, he said they would initiate action against anyone giving shelter to the offender. “We will not spare whoever is involved in the case even if they are affluent and influential. A comprehensive investigation is on to check all angles including financial and political” Mr Sanjay said.
According to the IG, they have formed five teams under the supervision of Guntur Rural SP to arrest the accused. They have deployed five platoons of police in sensitive areas to prevent incidents. Prakasam SP Thrivikram Varma was also present.