The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : ‘Suspicious’ death of trader triggers protest

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Thursday, Jan 03, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

‘Suspicious’ death of trader triggers protest

Staff Reporter

Relatives point accusing finger at police official

Villagers stage dharna on NH 214 for six hours
Trader’s body found in the village tank

MUDINEPALLI (Krishna Dist.): Tension built up and traffic came to a grinding halt on Pamaru-Katthipudi National Highway 214 on Wednesday following a dharna staged by residents of Narsannapalem village on the outskirts of Chigurukota panchayat in Mudinepalli mandal, who were enraged by the death of a local trader under suspicious circumstances. The protest continued for six hours, causing serious traffic problems.

The irate villagers, led by relatives of Ravula Prasad, 40, whose body was found in the village tank on Wednesday morning, squatted on the National Highway abutting the local police station, and demanded immediate suspension of Sub-Inspector P. Venkateswarlu, who, they alleged, was responsible for Prasad’s death.

Gambling

According to the victim’s son-in-law Podagatla Babji, Prasad used to conduct gambling on a large scale in the village. Mr. Babji alleged that Mr. Venkateswarlu received a monthly bribe from Prasad to “overlook” the offence. Of late, Prasad was unable to make much money due to “slump in the business” and, therefore, could not pay the monthly “mamool” to the SI. Mr. Babji said that the SI had been demanding his “share” and even threatened Prasad with dire consequences if he failed to do so.

On the afternoon of December 31, Prasad left home with a cash of Rs. 2 lakhs and did not return home for two days. On Wednesday morning, his body was found in a village tank at 8 a.m.

When no policeman came to the spot even after three hours, the enraged relatives and villagers went to the police station and staged a sit-in.

Gudivada urban inspector G. Ramakrishna came to the spot at 12.30 p.m. and asked the protesters not to create trouble until he enquired into the circumstances. The body was sent to Gudivada government hospital for inquest.

The villagers agreed to disperse only around 6.30 p.m. following an assurance by higher officials that action would be taken against the SI concerned.

SP’s assurance

When contacted, Krishna district Superintendent of Police D. Ramakrishnaiah said that action would be taken against the SI if he was found guilty after an inquiry was completed by Gudivada town CI based on the inquest report to be submitted by Mudinepalli tahsildar and the report of post-mortem to be done in Vijayawada on Thursday.

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