VISAKHAPATNAM: The death of a 25-year-old, who was run over by a police vehicle, triggered tension at Tummapala village on Anakapalle outskirts near the national highway. Irate residents torched the police vehicle and staged a road blockade Saturday night.
The deceased has been identified as U Ravi, a resident of Chinagangavaram village of Devarapalli mandal and a lorry driver at a quarry at Bavulavada village.
According to sources, police were conducting regular vehicle checks to curb drunk driving at Marturu village. Meanwhile, a motorist sped past the police team ignoring the police signal to stop. A home guard and other police personnel were chasing the motorist when they knocked down the cyclist. Ravi was taking food to his brother-in-law who works in a quarry on a bicycle. The police jeep hit Ravi at a road curve in Tummapala area. Ravi died on the spot. Alleging that the police were responsible for Ravi’s death, the locals and family members torched the police vehicle. The incident led to an altercation between the locals and the police. DSP Purushottam rushed to the spot and pacified the residents. Traffic was disrupted. An inquiry has been ordered.