Ex-Naxalite attempts suicide

Jayashanker Bhupalpally: A former Naxalite, Gandi Sammaiah (45), has attempted suicide in protest against the alleged negligence of Revenue officials in transferring ancestral land in his name. The incident happened at Venkatapur Tahsil office in the district on Saturday. According to the police, Sammaiah, who served as an underground activist for the Maoist party, surrendered to the police.

Sammaiah, who belongs to Andugulamidi village under Venkatapur mandal, owned two acres of land which was bequeathed to him by his father. But, the land title was transferred to one Yadagiir without his knowledge in January.

When Sammaiah approached the Tahsil office seeking justice, the Deputy Tahsildar allegedly demanded bribe. After expressing his inability to give such a huge amount, Sammaiah agreed to give Rs 10, 000 and paid the amount to the Deputy Tahsildar.

Yet the land’s title was not changed in his name. Distressed Sammaiah attempted suicide by consuming poison on the Tahsil office premises. The staff at the office rushed Sammaiah to Mulug area hospital and his condition was said to be stable.