Date:20/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/20/stories/2004122008340400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Wanted criminal killed

By Our Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR, DEC. 19. An inter-state criminal and member of a pseudo-naxalite group, G. Neelakanta Reddy (45), was shot dead in an alleged encounter with the police near Muthyalacheruvu village in Kadiri rural mandal in the wee hours of Sunday.

Reddy belonged to Rekkamanu village of Gandlapenta mandal in the district and was allegedly involved in more than a dozen criminal cases in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, including two contract killings. The Karnataka police had put a reward of Rs. 50,000 on his head.

On information that two persons were taking shelter in a dilapidated temple close to Muthyalacheruvu village, a police team led by the Pedda Pappur SI, B.V. Siva Reddy, went to the spot around 3 a.m today and questioned the duo. Even as the police were grilling them, one of them fired at the police. In the retaliatory firing, Neelakanta Reddy was killed. A tapancha, two bullet shells one live bullet, a hunting sickle and Rs. 2,600 fake currency was found in his possession.