A shocking and tragic incident in Vijayawada has resulted in the death of a 48-year-old daily wage labourer, following a violent altercation that began over a mere ten rupees. The event, which occurred on Thursday night in the Kothapeta area, underscores how minor disputes can escalate into fatal violence, especially under the influence of alcohol.
The Fatal Quarrel Over Liquor Money
According to police reports, the sequence of events began when 18-year-old Tennuru Durga Prasad, a school dropout working as a private electrician, approached the victim. Durga Prasad, who was already intoxicated, went to a bar in Kothapeta and asked Palakala Thataji for Rs 10 to buy more liquor. Thataji, who was also allegedly drunk, did not give him the money. Instead, he scolded the teenager and even slapped him.
This public humiliation and refusal enraged Durga Prasad. He returned to his home in Lambadipeta, fetched a kitchen knife, and went back to confront Thataji. In a fit of rage, he attacked the labourer, inflicting multiple stab wounds. The assault was so severe that Thataji collapsed on the spot and died due to excessive bleeding before any medical help could arrive.
Victim and Accused Profiles
The victim, Palakala Thataji, was a migrant worker who had moved from his native Narsipatnam in Anakapalle district to Guntur about a decade ago in search of livelihood. He worked as a daily wage labourer, taking up jobs in both Guntur and Vijayawada to make ends meet. His life was tragically cut short in a sudden burst of violence.
The accused, Tennuru Durga Prasad, is an 18-year-old who dropped out after the 10th class. Police confirmed that he had no prior criminal record before this incident. His actions, driven by intoxication and momentary anger, have now led to a murder charge. He was subsequently arrested by the police.
Police Investigation and Case Details
Law enforcement officials acted swiftly upon receiving information about the crime. They secured the scene in Kothapeta and recovered the kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon. The body of Palakala Thataji was sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and gather forensic evidence.
The Vijayawada police have registered a case of murder against Durga Prasad, and a thorough investigation is currently underway. The case highlights the dangers of alcohol-fueled arguments and the devastating consequences they can have in communities.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly tempers can flare, leading to irreversible outcomes. The community in Kothapeta and Lambadipeta has been left in shock by the brutal nature of the crime stemming from such a trivial sum of money.
