One killed, 15 injured in group clash

By Our Staff Reporter

SRIKAKULAM, SEPT. 2. One person was killed and 15 others were injured in a clash between rival groups at Vandanapadu in Regidi Amadalavalasa mandal of the district today. The simmering feud over supremacy in the village in the wake of the recent panchayat elections erupted with alleged stone-pelting during Ganesh idol immersion last evening.

Both groups belong to the TDP. While one group is led by Mr. Munjeti Janardhana Naidu, VAO, the other group belongs to Mr. Naru Jagannadham Naidu, the sarpanch. The candidate supported by the VAO suffered a defeat in the recent sarpanch election. Police said there was trouble during Ganesh immersion last evening. Some persons in the procession, organised by Mr. Janardhana Naidu, pelted stones on the houses of the supporters of the sarpanch. Though there was some tension the procession went on and the immersion was completed.

Early today, Mr. Janardhana Naidu's group was summoned to a central point in the village. An announcement was made over loudspeakers that a religious programme would be organised. An estimated 50 to 60 persons gathered and suddenly began attacking the houses of those belonging to Mr. Jagannadham Naidu's group. The two groups attacked each other. One Challa Savarraju, 40, belonging to the sarpanch's group was chased and axed to death. He was a relative of the sarpanch. Police said seven persons belonging to the VAO's group and eight belonging to the rival group were injured. All of them were admitted to the Palakonda hospital. The condition of Munjeti Sriramulu Naidu, 40, of the VAO's group is stated to be serious and he was rushed to the Headquarters Hospital here.

On getting information, the Palakonda and Boorja sub- inspectors were rushed to the village with force, according to the Palakonda DSP, Mr. S.V.D.V. Prasada Rao. The Additional SP, Mr. M. Nago Rao, and the Palakonda DSP, visited the village. Two Armed Reserve pickets have been posted in the village. Search parties have been sent to nab the culprits.

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Section  : Southern States
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