Hazipur victims kin seek hanging of accused, launch indefinite fast

Bommalaramaram (Yadadri-Bhongir): Demanding death sentence to alleged serial killer Marri Srinivas Reddy, the family members of Hazipur victims launched an indefinite fast at the Tahsildar's office at Bommalaramaram mandal headquarters on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, victim Shravani's parents, Pamula Narasimha and Nagamani, Manisha's father T Mallesh and Kalpana's parents, Nandam and Bhagyamma, along with Hazipur village Sarpanch Kavitha demanded the government to establish fast track court to render them justice immediately. Women's and people's organisations expressed their solidarity with the agitating family members.

It may be recalled that the Rachakonda police identified Marri Srinivas Reddy as the accused in the sensational rape and murder case of three minor girls Kalpana, Manisha and Shravani, all belonging to Hazipur village.

Earlier, the police arrested Srinivas Reddy and produced him before the judicial first class magistrate in Bhongir. On the directions of the court, the accused was remanded to Warangal central jail.

On May 8, the Rachakonda police took six days judicial custody of the accused and later produced him at the judicial first class magistrate in Nalgonda. However, the accused was again sent back to Warangal jail on May 14 as the cops failed to extract any additional information during the six-day quizzing.

Earlier, Rachakonda Commissioner of Police Mahesh Bhagwath assured the families of victims of all kinds of help, including compensation and jobs to bereaved family members under outsourcing besides justice.

Alleging that police have been trying to protect the accused Srinivas Reddy by depicting him as mentally-ill, the family members of victims launched an indefinite fast seeking establishment of fast track court to render justice to them by hanging Srinivas Reddy.

Expressing angst over the inordinate delay in the case, Kalpana's mother Bhagyamma demanded police to take stringent action against Srinivas Reddy immediately lest hand over to them for taking "necessary action". Meanwhile, a few villagers opined that killing Srinivas Reddy in an encounter would only provide relief to families of victims and pacify the agitating villagers of Hazipur