CPI (ML-ND): Drop cases post Linganna encounter

Lakdikapul: The CPI (ML-New Democracy) on Tuesday demanded withdrawal of the cases registered after the encounter killing of Punam Linganna in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district on July 31.

Party leaders, including former MLA Gummadi Narsayya, after meeting DGP Mahender Reddy in his office demanded that an inquiry be conducted into the encounter. They represented to Reddy complaining about the rioting cases registered after Linganna's killing.

Speaking to the media, Narsayya alleged that the police had resorted to an attack on local people even before they could recover from the impact of the encounter.

He claimed that cases of people attacking the police were registered against 40 party activists, with the alleged motive of terrorising them and taking revenge against them. Narsayya demanded withdrawal of the cases and pleaded for permission to hold condolence meetings in memory of Linganna.

The DGP assured the leaders that the issue of giving permission for condolence meetings would be considered after holding discussions with the department officials concerned. Among those who met the DGP were party joint secretary Potu Ranga Rao, state leaders J V Chalapathi Rao and K Ramya.