Violence Mars Final Phase Of Local Polls In Karimnagar

KARIMNAGAR: The final phase of the gram panchayat elections turned violent in several places, with police forced to fire in the air to disperse mobs in parts of Jagtial district.While the elections witnessed fierce contests among Congress, BRS and BJP supporters, violence in Paidipalli village of Velgatoor mandal drew statewide attention after clashes led to injuries and property damage. Trouble erupted after BRS-backed candidate Gangula Manga was declared elected as sarpanch with a 32 vote margin. Though BJP-supported rival Jakkula Mamata initially accepted the result, her supporters later returned to the counting centre alleging ballot box tampering and demanding a recount. The situation escalated as hundreds of villagers blocked the centre and pelted stones at officials. To bring the situation under control and protect the ballot boxes, police resorted to a lathi-charge and later fired 10 rounds in the air. Jagtial deputy superintendent of police Raghuchander sustained a serious head injury during the stone pelting, and several police vehicles were damaged. A heavy police deployment, including four DSPs, 12 Circle Inspectors and CRPF personnel, was made to maintain order. Police officials said the ballot boxes were eventually shifted to a safe location under tight security. In Kamalapur village of Dharmapuri mandal, the election of sarpanch Kummari Tirupati was marred by a dispute over the deputy sarpanch post. Rival groups allegedly attempted to auction the position, with bids ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh. Police intervention prevented the situation from turning violent. Meanwhile, in Molangur village of Shankarapatnam mandal in Karimnagar district, post-poll tensions led to an assault after Ward Member candidate Khamurunissa lost from Ward No. 8. Her relatives, Yasmin and Hakim, allegedly attacked the family of Dasari Padma. Padma’s daughter, Priyanka, who had recently given birth, suffered serious injuries. The victims were shifted to hospital in a 108 ambulance, and police registered a case and launched an investigation. In Cheerlavancha village of Thangallapally mandal in Rajanna Sircilla district, post-election tensions surfaced when a community meeting was held at a local temple to question members who allegedly voted against a collective decision. A woman was targeted and accused of influencing voters, triggering unrest in the otherwise peaceful village.



Source link