The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Janardhana Reddy faults police for landmine attack

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Sunday, Sep 09, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Janardhana Reddy faults police for landmine attack

Staff Reporter

TIRUMALA: Former Chief Minister N. Janardhana Reddy attributed Friday’s landmine attack on his convoy to the failure of the police.

He said that the police had miserably failed in carrying out the required security drill which ought to have been followed during VIP visits.

Mr. Reddy also said that even though his visit to Tirupati, where he was scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate from S.V.University on Friday, was made known to the police well in advance, the apathy of the department was reflective with the abortive attack by the Maoists on him and his wife.

The police, who should have carried out the checks of the culverts the previous night on the Nellore-Tirupati highway through which he was to pass, did not seem to have not done it, which ultimately led to the tragedy.

Pat for Government

Mr Reddy appreciated the policy being adopted by the State Government in tackling the Maoist violence.

Earlier, Mr Reddy and his wife, N.Rajyalakshmi, who is also a State Minister, were accorded a warm reception by the TTD officials on their arrival at the main entrance of the temple.

Prominent among others who received him included TTD Chairman B. Karunakar Reddy, Executive Officer K.V. Ramanachary, JEO G. Balaramaiah and other officials. Speaking to the media persons after the darshan of the Lord, Mr. Reddy said that his visit to the temple town was fixed well in advance. Later, after a brief stay at the Padmavathi Guesthouse, he left the place.

Elaborate security

The district police and the TTD security and vigilance officials made elaborate security arrangements in connection with his visit.

TTD priests blessing showering ’Aasirvachanams’ (blessings) on the former Chief Minister N.Janardhana Reddy and Minister for Women and Child Welfare N. Rajyalakshmi after the couple offered prayers at the Venkateswara temple at Tirumala on Saturday. They were here on a thanksgiving visit after surviving a landmine blast in Nellore district on Friday.

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