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GUNTUR: Tension prevailed in Vinukonda of Palnadu district after a member of the YSRC party's youth wing was brutally killed on Wednesday night.
According to the local police, the deceased was identified as Shiekh Rasheed (27), a resident of Vinukonda town.
At around 8.30 pm, he was on his way back home when he was attacked by one Sheikh Jilani at the highly crowded Mandlamudi Bus Stand Center. Jilani wielded a machete and severed both of Rasheed's hands and slit his throat. The brutal scene was captured on video.
Soon after receiving the information, the police rushed to the spot and shifted the severely injured Rasheed to the hospital where he was announced dead.
Condemning the act, YSRCP posted on X that, "Jilani, a TDP goon who transformed into an anthropomorphic monster, has brutally killed a YSRCP activist in Palnadu. Vinukonda YSRCP youth wing leader Rashid was viciously attacked with a knife, leading to severe injuries to both his hands and a fatal neck wound. Rashid tragically died while receiving treatment in the hospital."
Ruling out the speculations of political motives behind the gruesome crime, Palnadu district Superintendent of Police (SP) Kanchi Srinivasa Rao, who took charge two days ago, said the reason behind the murder was personal rivalry between both the deceased and accused.
He also informed that a thorough investigation has been launched. The police reportedly launched a manhunt to nab Jilani. Meanwhile, to prevent any further violence in the town, police imposed Section 144. Stern action would be taken against those who fail to follow the regulations and try to instigate further violence, SP said.
Expressing shock over the barbaric incident of his party activist hacked to death in Vinukonda, YSRC party chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned it and questioned where was law and order in the state.
Taking to social media platform X, Jagan accused TDP of resorting to such barbaric acts only to oppress YSRC. "There is no protection for the people's lives. Within a month and a half of the coming of the new government, Andhra Pradesh has become the address of murders, rapes, attacks and vandalism by political parties. Yesterday's Vinukonda murder incident is the culmination of this. This atrocious incident on the road is a shame for the government. People who should act responsibly, including the Chief Minister, are encouraging such atrocities with political ulterior motives. On whose authority, did they implement the ‘Red Book Constitution’ and weaken all the mechanisms including the police? Due to this, criminals and murderers are rampant. I strongly warn Chandrababu that power is not permanent and violent policies should be abandoned. There is a need for a special inquiry with central government agencies into the incidents of violence that took place after the formation of the new government in the state. I appeal to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to focus on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state," he posted.
He asked the party cadre not to be discouraged, as the party will always be there to support them in all ways. Jagan expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Rashid who was killed by TDP workers in Vinukonda.
