The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Gunman at it again

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 03, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Gunman at it again

By Our Staff Reporter

BAPATLA, (GUNTUR DIST.), JAN. 2. The alleged manhandling of the Tenali MP, Vallabhaneni Balashouri's gunman by the Chief Minister's security officer, Uday Kumar, at the Agriculture College guesthouse here on Sunday sparked protest.

After the Chief Minster, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, entered the guesthouse, there was literally a stampede at the entrance of the building as politicians and mediapersons tried to gain entry. The Tenali MP's gunman tapped Dr. Reddy's security officer on his shoulder asking him to allow Mr. Balashouri to enter. This angered Mr. Uday Kumar who slapped the gunman thrice.

Third incident

Enraged by the officer's behaviour, other gunmen who were present there, raised slogans against him demanding action. This was the third such incident in the district involving the same officer, the earlier ones being at Venigalla and Vinukonda, the Minister for Cooperation, Kanna Lakshmi Narayana, said.

Probe promised

The lack of proper management of the security system led to many of the mediapersons being denied entry to cover the Chief Minister's press conference. Gauging the severity of the problem, the Chief Minster directed the police to arrange for another press conference at the helipad just before his departure at 3.40 p.m.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Anjani Kumar, and the Superintendent of Police, Jitender, told newsmen that they would look into the matter.

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Andhra Pradesh