Anantapur: Double murder evoked differences between the Telugu Desam leaders in Anantapur. Gopi Naik and Venkatesh Naik, close aides of Paritala group are rivals of Prabhakar Chowdary group in Chandrababu colony over domination on illegal activities in Anantapur. The duo was allegedly involved in private settlements and land grabbing. Also the murder of a newspaper employee to grab his land one year ago. The colony had reportedly turned into a hub for illegal activities and harassing innocent people.
Venkatesh Naik and Gopi Naik were attacked by their rivals at least four times. Anantapur police imparted serious counselling to both groups two weeks ago. But, faction rivalry broke out after rivals hacked them in broad day light near Rudrampeta.
Family members of the duo blamed the police over the lapses to act swiftly and prevent rivals from carrying weapons. Police were blamed for alleged negligence because of political pressures. Anantapur Urban MLA V. Prabhakar Chowdary ruled out his support to killers. “I am working against faction for the past one decade through AWAY organisation. Police could take stringent action in the incident to curb rivalry in Anantapur,” Mr Chowdary said and added that his name was tarnished in the incident.
Civil supplies minister Paritala Sunitha and her son rushed to the hospital and consoled the bereaved family members of the double murder incident which reportedly increased differences between the party leaders. It may be noted that a cable TV network had created dispute between Paritala Sreeram and Prabhakar Chowdary a few months ago. Anantapur DSP K. Mallikarjuna Varma said additional teams were posted to nab killers. The Chandrababu colony was under police picket.
