TD candidate hit as gunman opens fire

A clash between YSR Congress and Telugu Desam activists over hoisting of a TD flag resulted in Mantralayam TD MLA candidate P. Tikka Reddy and Madavaram assistant sub-inspector of police, N. Venugopal suffering bullet injuries on their legs.

The stand-off between the two groups at Kaggal village under Madavaram police station limits in Mantralayam Assembly constituency, took a violent turn after an unidentified activist brandished a countrymade gun.

This resulted in the gunman of the leader of the rival group opening fire to bring the tense situation under control.

According to sources, Mr Tikka Reddy, accompanied by his followers, had gone to Kaggal village in Mantralayam constituency for campaigning and hoisted the party flag in the main square of the village.

Soon, the family members of sitting MLA and YSRC candidate Balnagi Reddy, including his wife Jayamma and his brother’s son Pradeep Reddy, along with his followers reached the spot and objected to Tikka Reddy’s campaigning in the village.

A heated argument followed, and it led to Mr Tikka Reddy’s gunman, opening fire. It is believed that he fired nine to 10 rounds.

YSRC activists shot at Mr Tikka Reddy, according to TD activists, leaving him and the police officer injured.