Odelu’s follower attempts suicide

Mancherial: A follower of former MLA Nallala Odelu, Regunta Gattaiah, allegedly attempted suicide on Wednesday at Indaram village of Jaipur mandal in the presence of Balka Suman, who has been allotted the TRS ticket ignoring Odelu.

The incident occurred as women were about to welcome Suman along with MLC Puranam Satish for the launch of poll campaign. The TRS activists, leaders and followers of Suman were present. Following the suicide bid, the gathering ran helter-skelter. Several activists were injured in the incident.

Circle Inspector Narayana Naik, who was on ‘bundobast’ duty for Suman, pushed him out ensuring his safety. The CI himself sustained burn injuries on hands. Among those injured were Rajeshwari, wife of MPTC member Srinivas, who was about to welcome Suman, two photographers and a videographer.

The injured persons were rushed to the government hospital here, Medilife Hospital. Those with serious burns were shifted to Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad.

Party activists Chekurthi Satyanarayan Reddy, Jakkula Venkatesh, Sunkara Vimala, Nikhita, Thogari Srinivas, Zainuddin, Jakkula Gangamani, Chunchu Rajaiah, Bhaskarla Srikanth and MPTC Member Sriniva were injured in the incident.

The injuries were caused after gattaiah allegedly threw petrol on others, while making a suicide attempt. Odelu was learnt to have left for Hyderabad after the TRS president and chief Minister k Chandrashekar Rao gave him appointment on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Balka Suman told press persons that he would continue his campaigning. Referring to the suicide attempt, he alleged that a bid was made to murder him, while reiterating his resolve to remain in the fray.