VIJAYAWADA: The sensational murder of rowdy-sheeter Kaalidasu Subramanyam alias Subbu has whipped up fear among many denizens who were under the impression that rowdyism no longer exists in Vijayawada. It all happened in a blink of an eye-six bike borne assailants, formidably armed, hacking the 42-year-old to death. Onlookers remained mute spectators and did not attempt to stop the heinous crime.
Vijayawada, which became synonymous with gang wars, rowdyism and political murders in late 80s-with the serial murders of two politically related families (Devineni and Vangaveeti) taking centre stage- has slowly transformed into a hub of business and economic activity. After the announcement of the State capital, the city is developing on all fronts.
“The murder reminds me of the time when people ran helter-skelter for safety while two families fought for supremacy. A shiver ran down my spine when I heard about the murder,” said P Achari, a resident of Machavaram.
The tall claims of Vijayawada police commissioner Gautam Sawang of freeing the city from rowdies and other anti-social elements, came down crashing with the murder of the rowdy-sheeter. The murder happened just two kilometers away from a local police station and at a place which has a humongous crowd 24X7.
Subbu’s wife Durga said he was not in touch with anyone who is associated with Katragadda Srinu as he was observing Ayyappa Deeksha. “He received a phone call from them and went to Machavaram,” said Durga. “The six must be from Tenali. Srinu colluded with our rivals and killed my son. The most unfortunate thing is both my sons (Ratnakar and Subbu) died while observing Ayappa Deeksha,” said Venkateswarlu, Subbu’s father.