Police Shoot in Self-Defense Amid Ganja Trade Dispute

A police officer opened fire in self-defense after being attacked while apprehending suspects linked to the murder of activist Kottaveedi Penchalayya, who opposed a local ganja trade. A woman, Kamakshi, allegedly involved in the trade, fled after Penchalayya's murder. The suspect and injured officer received hospital treatment.

A tense encounter unfolded in the town when police, in pursuit of suspects linked to a recent murder, were forced to open fire in self-defense. The incident followed the murder of Kottaveedi Penchalayya, a vocal critic of local anti-social activity, allegedly by associates of a woman named Kamakshi, accused of running a ganja trade operation.

According to official reports, the altercation began when police attempted to apprehend the suspects at a factory in Kovur. During the arrest, a suspect attacked a head constable with a knife, prompting the Nellore Rural Circle Inspector to shoot, injuring the suspect in the leg.

Both the injured suspect and constable were transported to Nellore Government General Hospital for immediate treatment. Authorities have registered cases related to the murder and the attack on the constable, as investigations continue into the ongoing ganja trade issue within the community.

(With inputs from agencies.)