Cops turn ‘counsellors’, cane accused in public

Anantapur : Anantapur district police on Sunday took everyone by surprise when they conducted an open ‘interrogation’ and ‘counselling’ of four persons accused in a murder case at Guntakal town.

A police team led by deputy superintendent of police Supraja descended near the RTC bus stop in Guntakal and started caning four people they had brought along. Even as many people gathered to witness this, the cops took turns to lathicharge the accused.

One of the accused was seen falling on the feet of a cop while others pleaded with folded hands. The ‘counselling’ lasted for a while, even as some locals appreciated the police’s ‘good action’.

This is the second incident where Anantapur police conducted ‘counselling’ in open. Previously, they had lathicharged some youngsters for eve-teasing. They were brought to the bus station and beaten.

The accused beaten up on Sunday included Sekhar, who allegedly killed his father-in-law Mallaiah over a domestic tiff. His brother and two friends were also beaten up. The accused were brought where they hacked Mallaiah to death. Sekhar married Mallaiah’s daughter after falling in love with her. But a few years later, Sekhar allegedly started harassing his wife forcing her to stay with her parents.

Recently Sekhar went to Mallaiah’s house and soon arguments ensued between them. On November 27 Sekhar along with the trio killed Mallaiah in cold blood

while he was returning home after work. The police arrested them on November 30.

Local inspector Shiva told TOI that people were angry over the murder as Mallaiah was done to death for no fault of his. He, however, evaded a reply when questioned about the ‘open counselling’ of the accused.