CPM Leader Killed During Morning Walk in Khammam
Rama Rao was found lying dead on the premises of his house with bleeding injuries on his throat and body
Nalgonda: Veteran CPM leader Samineni Rama Rao, 70, was killed by unidentified persons at Patharlapadu village in Chinthakani mandal of Khammam district on Friday morning.
Rama Rao was found lying dead on the premises of his house with bleeding injuries on his throat and body. He had earlier served as a CPM State Committee member and as the State General Secretary of the Rythu Sangam in united Andhra Pradesh. He also held the post of sarpanch of Patharlapadu for over 30 years.
Unidentified persons reportedly attacked Rama Rao while he was taking a morning walk on the premises of his house and slit his throat with sharp weapons. He died on the spot. His family members, who were inside the house at the time, rushed out after hearing sounds.
Police suspect that three persons might have been involved in the attack. Khammam Police Commissioner Sunil Dutt said the CLUES team and a dog squad reached the spot upon receiving information about the murder. An investigation has been launched from all possible angles.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka expressed shock and grief over the killing, stating that there is no place for political violence in the state and assuring that those involved in the murder would be punished sternly as per law. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, CPM State Secretariat Committee member Pothineni Sudarshan Rao alleged that the murder was carried out by a Congress-affiliated gang fearing defeat in the upcoming local body elections. He claimed that the Congress leaders exploited a quarrel that had occurred between Rama Rao and others during the Dasara festival to provoke his opponents to kill him. Rao also recalled that a CPM leader was killed two years ago in Madhira constituency, adding that such acts cannot weaken the party’s resolve.
