Khammam: 2 fake naxals held, 3 pistols, ammunition seized

They were identified as Mohammed Afasar, 50, a resident of Khammam, and Gundamalla Venkateshwarlu, 50, a realtor from Bhadadri-Kothagudem district. Another accused in the case, Md Riyaz, is absconding.

Speaking to the media, police commissioner Sunil Dutt said that the police apprehended a motorcycle carrying the two accused at Prakash Nagar and found three pistols in their bags after a search.

During the inquiry that followed, the accused confessed that they were travelling to Mudigonda to extort money from granite businessmen at gunpoint in the name of Naxals. Earlier, cases had been filed against them at Mhanoobabad, Garla, Marripeda, and Kesamiram police stations for engaging in extortion of businessmen, he added.

He stated that three pistols, four magazines, and 17 live bullets were seized from their possession. The accused admitted in their confession that they had purchased the pistols from Md Riyaz about 11 months ago.

The police commissioner said that a case was filed against the accused under various sections of the Arms Act, and the police are investigating the case.