The rape and murder of an MBA student late on Sunday night triggered public outrage in Madanapalle on Monday.
The 22 year-old girl was allegedly drugged, raped and murdered by a home guard Sivakumar and his brother Narasimhulu at the latter’s residence in Bhakarapet on Sunday. She was transported in an unconscious condition to Madanapalle Government Hospital, where she died eventually. The girl’s relatives and classmates squatted in front of the hospital along with the body, demanding that the duo be handed over to them. Sensing trouble, the police officials on guard at the spot discreetly moved them to Chittoor in the early hours. The unrelenting mob stayed put at the hospital and held a dharna, which led to violent turn of events. In the melee that ensued, the police were stoned and the agitators were caned, at regular intervals. Circle Inspector Gangaiah, Sub-Inspector Narayanaswamy Reddy and two constables were injured in the stoning spree.
Local MLA Shahjahan Basha (Congress), MLC Desai Thippa Reddy (YSRC), former MLAs Ramdas Chowdary and Dommalapati Ramesh (TDP) stood in support of the agitators. However, the family members cleared the place only after getting a written assurance from the Sub-Collector Hari Kiran, DSP Venkatrami Reddy and Tahsildar Surendra that suitable action would be initiated against the accused. The girl’s funeral was conducted in the afternoon in the presence of the officials. Political parties and social groups held dharna across the district, demanding capital punishment for the accused.
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