Jagan Mohan Reddy stabbed in arm at Vizag airport

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], Oct 25 (ANI): A canteen boy working at Visakhapatnam airport attacked Jagan Mohan Reddy, chief of the Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), with a sharp object at Visakhapatnam Airport here on Thursday.

Initial reports suggested that the YSRCP chief was stabbed in his arm with a metal object which looked like a knife. The assailant came close to Reddy and then attacked him. Reddy received a minor cut on his left arm and was given first aid at the airport lounge. He was later taken to hospital for medical examination to ascertain whether the knife was laced with some poison.

The police has identified the attacker as Srinu who is from east Godavari district and working as waiter in a food court of the airport lounge. The police said the assailant went near Jagan Reddy with coffee and subsequently attacked him in the wash room of the waiting room. Police has taken Srinu in custody.

Eye witnesses said that the attacker, while being taken by the police, was shouting that it did not matter to him if somebody killed him for the act.

Confirming the incident, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Nimmakayala Chinarajappa said, "Attack took place on Opposition leader Jaganmohan Reddy at Visakhapatnam airport. The attacker is identified as a worker in the airport. He approached Jagan as if asking for a selfie and attacked. He is taken into custody. Inquiry is going on. We will give all details in an hour."

Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Pradesh tweeted: “Shocked by attack on Jagan Reddy, Asked all agencies to investigate matter thoroughly, including @CISFHQrs . Asked Secretary Civil Aviation to fix responsibility. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack, we will punish the guilty. Investigations are underway, started immediately."

Reacting on the incident, state BJYM president Ramesh Naidu told ANI that Bharatiya Janata Party had earlier said that there was a law and order problem in the state and factionalism is increasing in Rayalseema.

He alleged that the police were working only for the ruling party leaders. "The Opposition leader Jagan Reddy is from our Kadapa district. We get to know how the government is running the state. Telugu Desam Party should introspect its functioning after this incident."  (ANI)