The Hindu : Three killed, 25 injured in rival group attack

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Three killed, 25 injured in rival group attack

By Our Staff Reporter

VEERAGHATTAM, (Srikakulam dt), APRIL 22. Three persons died and 25 others were injured in an attack by a rival group here in the early hours of Tuesday. A small group of 17 families was assaulted at Kurakula Street by the others, who far outnumbered them, with sticks, iron rods and pieces of brick wrapped in cloth.

Kondreti Krishna, 46, died immediately after being shifted to the Palakonda hospital and two others Karri Sambayya, 60, and Kondreti Sambayya, 55, succumbed to the injuries in the afternoon. The condition of two other men was said to be serious. The injured included 15 women. An Armed Reserve party from Etcherla and additional forces from Rajam have been rushed.

According to the Palakonda Circle Inspector, N. Vishnu, the two groups were at loggerheads over the alleged harassment of Buddana Gouramma, by her husband, Ganapati, and family members. While till a few months ago, they all were in the TDP, of late, the 17 families targeted had aligned themselves with the Congress. Ganapati had allegedly married another girl and Gouramma, mother of three children, complained to the police.

Last month Ganapati and his three brothers were arrested and later released. The case was referred to the Family Counselling Centre at Palakonda and was scheduled for hearing later this week. Gouramma and three other women were attacked after a quarrel at the tap last evening.

They had approached the Veeraghattam police. Both the groups were called to the police station and let off around 11 p.m. after taking sureties from them, Mr. Vishnu said.

The SI himself again had gone around the area and two constables were posted to keep a watch. Between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. the attack on those belonging to the Congress had begun. Eyewitnesses said the houses were attacked and those running in fear targeted by a large group of people armed with sticks, rods and bricks.

Gouramma alleged at Palakonda Hospital that their plea to allow them to stay in the police station fearing an attack was not heeded.

The Srikakulam DSP, S. Ramachandraiah, rushed to Veeraghattam.

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Three killed, 25 injured in rival group attack