Man Takes Classroom Hostage To Highlight Grievance
Accused carried a hammer and petrol, and sought attention for a personal grievance
Tirupati: A 54-year-old man held a teacher and students hostage inside a classroom at a private school in Tirupati on Thursday in an apparent attempt to draw attention to his personal grievance.
The incident occurred around 9:50 a.m. at Sri Vijetha Educational Institution in Akkarampalli. The accused, identified as Chinnam Srinivas, a native of Badvel in Kadapa district currently residing in Mysuru, Karnataka, visited the school on the pretext of seeking admission for his son.
According to police, Srinivas interacted with the school staff and enquired about admission and fee details before proceeding to the second floor of the school building. He then entered a classroom and locked the door to prevent others from entering. He allegedly threatened the teacher and students with an iron hammer.
Police said Srinivas also carried a bottle of petrol and poured some of it near the classroom door and inside the room, creating panic among those present. On receiving information, Alipiri police rushed to the school and initiated talks with the accused. After a brief negotiation, they took him into custody and shifted him to the police station. No injuries have been reported in the incident.
During his questioning, Srinivas reportedly told police that he had suffered losses in a business venture he had run with a friend. He believed he had been denied justice in the matter. Police said he admitted that through his act, he wanted to attract public and media attention to his grievance.
Police found that Srinivas had previously attempted suicide at the Karnataka High Court premises in Bengaluru.
Alipiri police have registered a case. Tirupati SP L. Subba Rayudu commended the officers and staff for their quick response that prevented any untoward incident.
