Vijayawada: Youth killed in gang war, 5 hurt

Vijayawada: The city police launched massive hunt to nab the culprits involved in the gang war between two groups, which claimed one life on Sunday.

The deceased was identified as Thota Sandeep involved in doing settlements in Patamata and other areas. In the incident, five others, who sustained injuries, were undergoing treatment in a private hospital. According to Patamata police, Sandeep has disputes with another youth Manikantha, alias Pandu, a chicken trader, living in the same area on settlements.

The police said the dispute broke out between Sandeep and Manikantha alias Pandu again on Rs.2 crore apartment deal.

When Sandeep was doing settlement Pandu allegedly involved in it, which led to clash between the two groups in Thota vari street in Patamata on Saturday evening. Armed with iron rods, knives, sticks nearly 30 youth including students clashed for 30 minutes creating panic in the residential area under the limits of Patamata police station.

Sandeep sustained knife injuries and immediately shifted to a private hospital in Patamata. He was breathed last on Sunday evening while undergoing treatment.

The culprits hurled stones at each other shouting and abusing each other triggering panic in Thota vari street and nearby areas. When the police rushed to the spot, they fled the area on two wheelers, said Patamata police. Deputy Commissioner of Police Harshavardhan told media that six teams were constituted to nab the culprits and collect information on the background of youth indulged in gang war.

He said such brutal incidents never took place in the city during the last few years and added stern action will be taken against those persons involved in the gang war. The police noticed that Thota Sandeep is associated with the TDP and his rival has connections with Jana Sena party.

Meanwhile hundreds of people rushed to the private hospital where Sandeep died. Tight security posted near the hospital to prevent any untoward incident.