KAKINADA: Blade Batch that once struck terror within the vicinity of Rajamahendravaram during night times has once again got active in Rajanagaram mandal of East Godavari district.
The gang got its name as it slashed people with blades in case they refused to part with their money or valuables once accosted, particularly during night times. The gang has again got active on Anaparthi-Dwarapudi, Chakradwarabandam-Radheyapalem-Dwarapudi-Mandapeta, and Chakradwarabandham-Kanavaram-Elakolanu-Anaparti routes.
Villagers taking these routes, whether walking or going on vehicles, are avoiding these routes unless they are in a sizeable number. They are assembling at safe places, including Rajanagaram Saibaba Temple, before proceeding forward.
Recently, a vegetable vendor S. Dhanayya of Kanavaram had been returning to his village from Rajanagaram after selling his vegetables. Three persons stopped him near Farizallipeta village and demanded money. After Dhanayya refused, they slashed at him causing bleeding injuries. They then snatched away money from him and vanished. Dhanayya had to be hospitalised in Rajamahendravaram as a nerve in his arm got cut. The matter was reported to Rajanagaram police station.
In another case two days ago, a farmer had bought a cell phone and was proceeding to his home in Kanavaram. Miscreants threatened him and took away his cell phone. Having heard of the Blade Batch, the farmer did not resist.
“Previously we returned to our villages without any fear. But after recent incidents, we are waiting for people to assemble before moving forward, said a person from Thokada village.
Rajanagaram circle inspector M. Subhash maintained that only one instance has so far been reported to them. Police teams have been formed to nab the gang members. He said previously they had arrested four members of a gang. “We will soon arrest miscreants of this gang too,” the inspector assured.
