JDS worker chops off Congress activist’s arm with machete

Chikkaballapur, Feb 23: In a shocking incident, a Janada Dal (Secular) worker chopped off the left arm of a Congress worker at a saree distribution programme in Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district yesterday.

Police said the incident occurred when a saree distribution campaign was going on at Arkunda village, Manchenalli and JD(S) and Congress workers clashed over an issue of election malpractice. A JD(S) worker, identified as Lokesh, grabbed a machete and chopped off Congress worker Ravikumar's left arm.

The 'Sankranti Suggi' program was being held under the auspices of Chikkaballapur MLA Dr Sudhakar's Sai Krishna Charitable Trust in the village in the evening.

Police added Congress leaders Srinivasa Reddy, Devaraj, S Ravikumar and Narayanaswamy were going door-to-door distributing sarees to women. They were resting in front of Ravikumar's house when the youth Lokesh attacked him.

At that moment, JD(S) workers were standing in front of a provision store opposite Ravikumar's house belonging to Goverdhan. They are Ramesh, Goverdhan, Lokesh and Narasimhamurthy.

Police said a skirmish broke out among the two groups about the saree distribution. Lokesh pulled out a machete from the provision store and chopped off the left arm of Ravikumar and injured the others. When Lokesh attempted to strike at Ravikumar, the later tried to defend himself by blocking with his left hand. But the blow was so terrible that he has lost most of his lower arm, below the elbow.

After administrating first aid, Ravikumar has been brought to Bengaluru for further treatment.

Manchenalli police have registered a case against Ramesh, Goverdhan, Lokesh and Narasimhamurthy who are all absconding. A pall of terror hangs over the village currently. The police have ensured tight security following the incident.

Superintendent of Police Karthik Reddy said that the actual cause for the clash is yet to be ascertained. "It will be known when Lokesh is interrogated," he added.