Suryapet: Two Killed in Clash Over Neem Tree

Suryapet: Two people were killed following a clash between two groups over a neem tree in Yerragadda Thanda of Mellacheruvu mandal on Saturday.

According to reports, Bukya Saida and Venkateswarlu had been involved in a dispute over the neem tree for the past few days. On Saturday morning, Venkateswarlu allegedly tried to chop the branches of the tree. Saida, who noticed this, tried to stop him.

Saida’s son Ramu reportedly arrived at the spot with an axe and attacked Venkateswarlu with it and he died on the spot. Following the attack, Venkateswarlu’s family members and some locals allegedly attacked Saida and his son. A few villagers who supported Saida then attacked members of the rival group, leading to a clash and tension in the village.

During the confrontation, Saida reportedly tried to hide his son. However, Ramu, who was allegedly enraged during the incident, also attacked his father with the axe. He later fled and hid inside a house.

When Saida’s family members attempted to take him to the hospital, some locals reportedly stopped them and demanded that Ramu be handed over to them before allowing Saida to be taken to the hospital. Saida was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Police reached the spot after receiving information and attempted to disperse the crowd. Ramu was taken into custody. However, while police were shifting him to the police station, some locals allegedly pelted stones at the police personnel. SI Naveen sustained severe injuries in the incident.

The injured, including SI Naveen, were shifted to the hospital for treatment. The bodies of Venkateswarlu and Saida were shifted to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and the circumstances that led to the clash.