The recent killing of rowdy sheeter Gedela Raju has brought one thing into limelight. The ‘City of Destiny’ that is known for its peace, harmony and tranquillity, houses a violent and a dark frame in its underbelly.
There are gangs that lurk in some dark side of the city and who would not bat an eyelid to kill a person for a fist full of money.
The ‘Supari’ gangs or contract killers have arrived and most of them are city bred.
The first notable ‘supari’ killing in the recent times was that of upcoming TDP leader Killaparthi Appalanaidu, who was allegedly killed by Siriki Sreenu, Mylappali Sagar and Kranti reportedly at the behest of another TDP leader.
Later in the case, only the contract killers were arrested and are now out on bail.
In the case of Gedela Raju, the very essence of the case is based on contract killing.
The rowdy-sheeter Gedela Raju was reportedly hired by the prime accused DSP Dasari Ravi Babu to get rid of one Ms. Padmalatha, who exposed the police of having an illegal affair with her.
After the mysterious death of Padmalatha in 2016, Gedela Raju was reportedly blackmailing the police officer for money to maintain silence. The officer hired contract killers to get rid off him.
The deal was reached with nine killers for a sum of ₹ 9 lakhs.
The murder of Vizag-based businessman Vikram Prakash Dhamija was also committed by hired gangs from Jharkhand.
According to a senior police officer, in the city there are about 320 registered rowdy sheeters and most of the hired killers come from this segment. Of the 320 about 120 to 140 are active and efforts are on to rein them.
Expose to violent cinemas, internet, alcohol and other intoxicants are adding as a catalyst to this culture, said DCP K. Fakeerappa.
Killing a person appears to have become an easy thing, especially when you have a powerful political godfather.
The killers of Appalanaidu are out on bail and are enjoying life, said MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju.
Even the main killer in the Gedela Raju’s case Mahesh was also out on bail, despite having three murder cases pending against him.
Sumit Bhattacharjee
