Tractor driver held for Laxmapuram tragedy

Yadadri-Bhongir: Police here on Wednesday paraded before the media the tractor driver Aluri Venkatramana who has been accused of being responsible for tragedy in which 15 farmworkers died. 

In-charge Deputy Commissioner of Police Nagaraju told the media that Venkatnaramana (53) settled in Vemulakonda village under Valigonda mandal in the district many years ago.

He is a farmer. He has taken land on lease to cultivate cotton. He hired farmworkers on June 24 in Vemulakonda village. While transporting the labourers from the village on a tractor, he lost control of the vehicle, leading to the tractor falling into Musi canal.

A total of 15 farmworkers died on the spot and other 16 others sustained injuries. The DCP said that cases were filed against tractor driver Venkatramana and tractor owner Dudipala Nageswar Rao under various sections, including SC and ST Atrocities Prevention Act.