Police Open Fire on Murder Suspect During Custody Transfer in Andhra Pradesh
In a dramatic incident in Andhra Pradesh, police were forced to open fire on a 19-year-old murder suspect who attempted to escape custody while being transferred between police stations on Saturday morning. The accused, identified as A Venkatesh, had been arrested for the brutal murder of a minor girl in Khazipet.
Background of the Murder Case
Venkatesh was taken into custody by Khazipet police after allegedly entering the victim's home on Friday when she was alone and slitting her throat. Due to intense protests from the victim's family and local residents demanding that the accused be handed over to them, authorities decided to keep Venkatesh in the lockup at Mydukur police station overnight rather than at Khazipet.
Concerns about potential attacks by relatives and locals extended to Mydukur police station as well, prompting police to arrange for Venkatesh's transfer to another facility on Saturday morning for security reasons.
The Escape Attempt and Police Response
According to Kadapa SP Shelke Nachiket Vishwanath, the situation escalated when Venkatesh managed to escape during the transfer operation. Khazipet police, led by CI S Vamsidhar, located the suspect near the Basapuram checkpost, where he reportedly attacked officers with a rod, injuring two constables identified as Narasumhulu and Sivaiah.
"The accused displayed aggressive behavior despite warnings to surrender," explained SP Vishwanath. "CI Vamsidhar first fired a warning shot into the air, but when Venkatesh continued advancing toward police officers, he was left with no option but to fire two rounds aimed below the knees to bring the situation under control."
Aftermath and Medical Treatment
Following the shooting, all injured parties received immediate medical attention. Venkatesh and the two wounded constables were administered first aid at the government hospital in Mydukur before being transferred under tight security to RIMS (Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences) in Kadapa for further treatment.
SP Vishwanath emphasized the commitment to justice in this case, stating: "We promised the girl's family to render justice and will ensure that justice is delivered." The incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with high-profile criminal cases that generate significant public emotion and potential for vigilante action.
The police response demonstrates the difficult balance officers must maintain between ensuring suspect safety during custody transfers and protecting themselves and the public from potentially violent escape attempts. This case continues to develop as authorities proceed with legal proceedings against the accused while managing community tensions surrounding the tragic murder of a minor girl.
