Andhra Pradesh Dalit murders: CID begins investigation

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated an inquiry into the June 12 killing of four Dalits at Lakshmipet village in Srikakulam district even as three police officials were brought under Vacancy Reserve (VR) for inaction, a top police officer said.

As per Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy's directive, the CID has taken up inquiry into the incident. Sub-inspector of Vangara police station, Circle Inspector of Rajam and Palakonda Deputy Superintendent of Police were brought under the vacancy reserve (VR) with immediate effect, Additional DGP (Law and Order) SA Huda said.

Substitutes have been posted at their places besides a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) has also been placed at Palakonda, he said.

Four Dalits were killed and at least 25 villagers injured in an attack at Lakshmipet village, allegedly by members of a backward class community, after differences arose between the two groups over ownership of a piece of land.

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