Neem tree dispute turns fatal, two killed in Suryapet

A dispute over a neem tree between two neighbouring families in Mellacheruvu mandal, Suryapet district, escalated into violence, leaving two persons dead and a Sub-Inspector injured.

Suryapet: A dispute over a neem tree between two neighbouring families turned fatal at Erragattu Thanda in Mellacheruvu mandal on Saturday, leaving two persons dead and a police Sub-Inspector injured.

According to reports, the families of Bukhya Saida and Manda Venkateswarlu were neighbours. A neem tree stood adjacent to Venkateswarlu’s house. Trouble began after Bukhya Saida cut a branch of the tree, leading to a verbal confrontation between the two families.

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The argument eventually escalated into a physical clash. During the confrontation, Manda Venkateswarlu was allegedly attacked with an axe and died at the scene. Another person, Saida, sustained severe injuries and died while being shifted to a hospital for treatment, reports said.

Mellacheruvu Sub-Inspector Naveen Kumar sustained head injuries while attempting to bring the situation under control. Kodad DSP Srinivas Reddy reached the spot after being alerted about the incident and took stock of the situation.

Police deployed additional personnel in the area to prevent any further untoward incidents. Three members of one of the families were taken into custody in connection with the clash, police said. An investigation is underway.