Brave cop falls to bullet before honeymoon ends

Hyderabad: Constable K Nagaraju, who was shot dead by two armed assailants in an encounter at Jankipuram under Mothkuru mandal on Saturday, was married just six months ago.

The 24-year-old constable, attached to Atmakur police station, was driving the vehicle, when sub-inspector D Siddaiah who was sitting beside him received two bullets in his chest and one in brain, while circle inspector Balgangi Reddy was injured in the stomach.

The injured policemen were shifted to Kamineni Hospital in LB Nagar.

Nagaraju of Kattanggor mandal in Nalgonda district was married to Sitamma of Panagal six months ago. “He was a brave man and always used to smile. He was very happy after his marriage. But tragedy befell him. “I could not believe that he left us forever,” sobbed Mahesh, fellow constable.

“Nagaraju used to call me every day before reporting to duty but unfortunately today he did not and his mobile was continuously ringing when I called him,” wailed Nagaraju’s father at Kamineni mortuary.

His mother and wife looked devastated and could not believe their eyes seeing Nagaraju’s dead body covered with wreath of flowers before being taken to Nalgonda for the last rites.

Home Minister Naini Narsimha Reddy, who visited Kamineni Hospital, announced Rs 40 lakh ex-gratia to the family and a job.