AMN /
The Mayor of Chittoor (in Andhra Pradesh) , Katari Anuradha belonging to the ruling Telugu Desam Party was shot dead in her chamber by some unknown miscreants.
Her husband Katari Mohan, a senior TDP leader sustained two bullet injuries and was shifted to the Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore, Tamil Nadu from the local hospital as his condition deteriorated further.
The incident occurred in the Chittoor Municipal Corporation office premises when the Mayor and her husband were in the Mayor’s Chamber. The couple were shot at point blank and were also attacked with knives. The attackers escaped immediately from the spot leaving the injured in a pool of blood. Anuradha, the first woman mayor of the town died before being taken to hospital.
According to eyewitnesses account, three assailants, two wearing burkha, barged into the Mayor’s chamber on the pretext of submitting grievances. The police suspect that the attackers were believed to be from Karnataka. Immediately the police have cordoned the roads leading to Chittoor town and a red alert was sounded. Security has been tightened at vulnerable points in Chittoor to avert any untoward incident.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu condemning the attack expressed shock and dismay at the killing of a woman Mayor in her office. He said stern action would be initiated against those whoever it may be, behind the attack. Meanwhile, two assailants have surrendered before the police, while another reportedly surrendered in the court.