Arrest killers of anti-drug activist Penchalayya, demands CPI(M)

The CPI(M) has demanded action against those involved in the murder of anti-drug activist K. Penchalayya in Nellore.

In a letter to Home Minister V. Anitha on Sunday, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao sought the arrest of all the perpetrators, including those allegedly providing protection or encouragement to the assailants.  Expressing deep concern over the incident, he called for decisive steps to dismantle drug mafia network operating across the State.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao noted that Penchalayya, a cultural activist from Kallurupalli Housing Board Colony, had worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the harmful effects of ganja and other narcotics on families and society. Collaborating with the police and local communities, he had actively campaigned against illegal drug operations.

Penchalayya was chased and hacked to death in front of his children by a gang armed with knives and iron rods, the CPI(M) leader said, adding that it pointed to the involvement of the ganja mafia.

Criticising the Home Minister for allegedly not publicly condemning the killing, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the police had already identified a woman allegedly leading the illegal operations, and demanded her immediate arrest. He questioned the alleged political protection the accused reportedly receives.

He also appealed to the government to stand by Penchalayya’s family and provide the bereaved members a comprehensive support, including financial aid, land, housing, and employment to his wife Durga, and undertake full responsibility of education of their two children.