VIJAYAWADA: Krishna police have cracked the mystery behind the murder of a BJP youth leader and nabbed five of the 11 accused people. Lankella Malla Reddy was murdered on February 18. Police have confirmed that a deal of 14 lakh was struck between the accused and contract killers to finish off Mallareddy for his posts on social media against rival part members. Police said the kingpin of the gang is still at large.
Vatsavai police station SHO told TOI that the BJP leader had been posting provocative posts against YSRC leader Marella Pullareddy of Chityala village in Vatsavai mandal on social media. Also, Mallareddy went to the house of Pullareddy’s brother Surareddy and threatened to kill him. Surareddy’s followers - Devireddy Praveen Reddy (32), Velpula Rajasekhar Reddy (26), Gopu Gopi (30), Thurimella Chencha Rao, and Kolagani Ramaiah (38), - who tried to stop him were also threatened by Mallareddy.
Police said Praveen Reddy took money from Surareddy saying he wanted to kill Mallareddy. Later, a deal was struck for 14 lakh to eliminate Malla Reddy. It was agreed to pay 4 lakh in advance and the remaining amount after completion of the ‘work.’
. On February 18, when Mallareddy was on his way back home on a bike , the accused on a car hit his bike from behind. Mallareddy who fell to the ground started running towards the nearby paddy fields to save his life but was chased and brutally stabbed with daggers. The main accused Surareddy is absconding since then.
Police added there is no political angle to the case and previous enmity led to the murder.
