HYDERABAD: Cow protection activist shot near Pocharam, critical
HYDERABAD: A cow protection committee member, identified as Prashant alias Sonu Singh from Yamnampet village under Keesara mandal, was shot by a man near Rock Woods School in Yamnampet, Pocharam municipality of Medchal district on Wednesday evening.
Police said Ibrahim from Bahadurpura, who allegedly resented Prashant’s interference in cattle transport, lay in wait near the school. When Prashant arrived in his Swift car, Ibrahim called him over on the pretext of sharing information on illegal cattle movement. The two entered a nearby venture, where an argument broke out. Ibrahim allegedly fired two rounds at Prashant before fleeing the scene.
Despite sustaining bullet wounds to his chest, Prashant managed to walk to the road before collapsing. Locals rushed him to a private hospital in Medipally and later shifted him to Yashoda Hospital, Secunderabad. Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu inspected the spot and reviewed the probe.
Police have launched a manhunt for Ibrahim and are investigating the source of the weapon and whether it was licensed. He is reportedly involved in several previous cases and has a rowdy sheet opened against him.
BJP leaders blame government for law and order situation
Union Minister Kishan Reddy, BJP state president Ramchandra Rao, and MP Eatala Rajender visited the hospital to inquire about Prashant’s condition.
Kishan Reddy alleged that while cow protection activists were being attacked by the mafia, police were booking cases against them and sending them to jail. “Law and order has collapsed. Cow protectors are forced to fight both the mafia and the police,” he said.
Ramchandra Rao said law and order in Telangana had worsened since the Congress government came to power and accused Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) workers of increasing violence. Eatala Rajender demanded that the government take full responsibility for the attack.
Doctors said Prashant’s liver was hit by a bullet and that he had undergone emergency surgery.
Investigation focuses on weapon source
Police are probing how Ibrahim obtained the firearm and whether it was legally licensed. The accused remains absconding.
