Telangana cops question suspects over Dalit lynching

HYDERABAD: The police on Monday questioned suspects and recorded their statements in their probe into the death of a Dalit, M. Mallesham, who was beaten to death by farmers at Gummadidala of Sangareddy over suspicion of theft.

A case of murder under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been registered by the police, who also recorded statements of witnesses of the incident that took place at night. The investigators also questioned the victim’s neighbours to ascertain the exact timing and sequence of events.

Mallesham’s wife, Meena, who also recorded her statement, alleged a deliberate ploy by farmers to murder her husband. Farmers alleged Mallesh was a habitual offender.

The police also collected samples from where Mallesh allegedly stole electrical wires and set them on fire to retrieve copper from them.

Meanwhile, revenue officials were asked to submit the victim’s caste certificate, as part of the probe. The police said they are awaiting an autopsy report and will initiate action after receiving the same.