Warangal acid attack accused killed in an encounter

SP says encounter took place in self defense

In an act that evoked mixed response and raised questions over the conduct of the police, three youths who were allegedly involved in the acid attack on the two girls Swapnika and Praneetha were shot dead in an encounter early on Saturday. According to sources, the police maintained that the encounter took place in an act of self defense. All the three accused were produced before media persons around 7pm and the encounter took place three hours later. However, the news of encounter came into light only on Saturday. The trio are supposed to be produced before the court on Saturday.

The Superintendent of Police, VC Sajjanar said that they were shot dead at Mamnoor village when a team of police officials took them to the spot to recover the two wheeler stolen from the Kakatiya Institute of Sciences. In the cover of darkness, they picked up a small container of acid, a country made weapon and knives hidden near the stolen vehicle and attacked the police. The police shot them in self defense, he maintained. The bodies were found in a pool of blood in bushes close to the Mamnoor airstrip.

The encounter evoked mixed response from various sections. Parents of the acid attack victims, local police and even the Minister of Major Irrigation Minister hailed the act, the opposition remained guarded and the civil rights activists cried foul play. The Chief Minister, Dr.YS Rajasekhara Reddy reviewed the situation with the Home Minister and senior officials in Hyderabad. The Chief Minister announced information of State level dedicated special cell with a tool free three digit telephone number and if would offer instantaneous help in cases relating to eve teasing, harassment of girls and abuse of children. The Home Minister directed the DGP to inquire into the incident and submit a report. He said the magisterial inquiry and the probe by the DGP would reveal the truth.

Andhra News