Brutal double murder of brothers shocks Palnadu district

Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh was rocked by a gruesome incident as two brothers were brutally murdered in separate locations in Adigoppala village of Durgi mandal late Sunday night. The shocking crime has triggered widespread tension and fear across the district.

According to the police, the victims - Kotha Hanumantha Rao and Kotha Sriramamurthy, both active TDP workers - were attacked in a premeditated assault linked to an old rivalry. The assailants reportedly used hunting sickles and iron rods, killing both men on the spot.

Hanumantha Rao’s body was found near a large rock on the outskirts of the village, while Sriramamurthy was killed near a water plant close to the Neelampeta Ammavari temple. The fact that the murders took place at different locations has added to the gravity of the crime.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the murders stemmed from a recent altercation between the victims and a local resident, Y. Naresh. During the earlier dispute, Naresh’s mother was reportedly injured after being hit by a stone. Police believe that, driven by revenge, Naresh allegedly led a group of around ten people in carrying out the deadly attack. Despite earlier efforts by villagers to defuse tensions between the two groups, the conflict remained unresolved.

Police rushed to the scene soon after receiving information, collected evidence, and shifted the bodies to a government hospital for post-mortem examinations. While personal enmity is believed to be the primary motive, investigators are also examining whether there is any political angle to the killings.

Following the double murder, Adigoppala village remains tense. To prevent further violence, the police have deployed heavy security and formed special teams to trace and arrest the accused. The main suspect, Naresh, along with others involved, is currently absconding.

Reacting to the incident, Palnadu district in-charge minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar spoke to the district Superintendent of Police and directed officials to take strict action against the culprits, regardless of who they are, and ensure such incidents do not recur.

The murders have deeply unsettled residents, especially as the district is still reeling from a recent double murder in nearby Gundlapadu village. A series of violent incidents has raised serious concerns about law and order in Palnadu, leaving locals anxious and demanding stronger measures to restore peace.