Police Investigating Stone Attack on Andhra Chief Minister as Attempted Murder
GG News Bureau
Amaravati, 15th April. The Vijayawada police have detained at least four suspects for allegedly throwing stones at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, treating it as an attempted murder, an official confirmed.
Unknown individuals threw stones at the Chief Minister last night near Vivekananda School Centre in Vijayawada’s Singh Nagar. He sustained injuries to his left temple while campaigning for polls.
Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kanthi Ratan Tata stated that a charge of attempted murder has been filed under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
“We have identified some suspects. We are currently interrogating them. A case has been registered under IPC Section 307,” Tata said.
The police commissioner confirmed that all suspects were locals and expressed confidence in identifying the real culprits within a few days.
On Sunday, the YSRCP and TDP leaders exchanged accusations regarding the incident.
YSRCP General Secretary S Ramakrishna Reddy alleged that the attack was premeditated and cold-blooded.
“Who would plan such an attempt? It arises from the TDP’s insecurity as they witness the positive response our leader is receiving during the poll campaign, roadshows, and meetings,” he stated during a press conference.
Ramakrishna Reddy claimed that TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu recently encouraged a crowd at his canvassing meetings to attack Jagan Reddy, suggesting that Naidu and his party would benefit if the YSRCP chief could not meet the public.
“This leads us to believe that the TDP and their leader (Naidu) are behind the attack,” he added, emphasizing the injury’s sensitivity to the location.
Furthermore, he accused the opposition party of trying to downplay the incident out of fear of exposure and resorting to making inhumane comments.
Meanwhile, YSRCP Nellore Lok Sabha candidate V Vijayasai Reddy accused Naidu of engaging in politics based on violence and conspiracies rather than development.
“It has been proven once again that he (Naidu) indulges in cowardly politics, relying on violence and conspiracies,” Vijayasai Reddy stated on a social media platform.
Leaders from the ruling party, ministers, and others criticized Naidu and the TDP, alleging the opposition party’s involvement in the CM’s attack.
Chandrababu Naidu condemned the attack on Reddy.
“I strongly condemn the attack on Jagan. I urge the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the incident and punish those responsible,” he posted on social media.
However, the TDP claimed that the attack on Jagan Mohan Reddy was staged.
Supporting Chandrababu Naidu’s call for an unbiased probe by the Election Commission, TDP spokesperson Pattabhiram Kommareddy questioned the timing and circumstances of the attack.
“The timing and circumstances of the attack raise doubts about its authenticity. It wouldn’t be the first time the YSRCP has staged such an act for sympathy and to create confusion and unrest, especially close to the elections,” Mr. Kommareddy alleged.
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President YS Sharmila condemned the attack, believing it was an accident. However, she stated that if it was not accidental, everyone should condemn it.
Sharmila mentioned that she is praying for her elder brother’s speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, a group of YSRCP leaders filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that the attack was an attempt to murder the Chief Minister.
Ramakrishna Reddy stated that Jagan Reddy remains undeterred by the attack. He paused his bus tour on Sunday for rest and is expected to resume it tomorrow from Kesarapalle in the NTR District.
Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are set for May 13, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.
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