Police in Anantapur were forced to open fire on a violent accused on Monday after he allegedly went on a stabbing spree, targeting three individuals within a span of ten hours. The dramatic incident culminated in an attack on a senior police officer, leading to the accused being shot in the leg.
A Violent Ten-Hour Rampage
The series of violent events began on Sunday night near Ayyappa Café in Aravind Nagar. According to police reports, the accused, identified as Ajay, got into a quarrel over liquor with a man named Chakali Raja. The altercation turned physical, and Ajay allegedly stabbed Raja, leaving him in a critical condition. Raja was rushed to the hospital and remains on ventilator support.
The violence did not stop there. On Monday morning, Ajay allegedly targeted another victim, an auto driver named Baba, near the TV Tower area. In this attack, Baba sustained severe abdominal injuries before Ajay fled the scene. This second assault prompted a swift and intensive manhunt by the Anantapur police.
Police Confrontation and Self-Defence Firing
Special police teams, led by Circle Inspector (CI) Srikanth, tracked down the accused to an orchard near Akuthotapalli on the outskirts of Anantapur. When the police team confronted him, Ajay reportedly turned violent once again. He allegedly attacked CI Srikanth with a knife, stabbing the officer.
In what officials have termed an act of self-defence, the injured CI Srikanth opened fire. The police bullet hit Ajay in the leg, incapacitating him and allowing the police team to overpower and take him into custody. Both the wounded officer and the accused were immediately shifted to the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Anantapur for urgent medical treatment.
Zero Tolerance for Rowdyism: Police Send Strong Message
Speaking on the incident, Superintendent of Police P Jagadish stated that offenders who threaten public safety would be dealt with firmly. He emphasized the police department's zero-tolerance policy towards rowdyism and attacks on public servants. The police have registered cases of attempted murder and assault on public servants against the accused Ajay.
Following standard procedure, a mandatory inquiry into the police firing has been initiated to investigate the circumstances that led to the use of the firearm. This incident has highlighted the dangers police personnel face while apprehending violent criminals and has reinforced the administration's stance on maintaining law and order.
