Man shoots three dead during clashes

Hyderabad : Three people were killed and six injured when a man opened fire during a clash between two groups in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, police said Monday.

The incident occurred Sunday night in Jillela village of the district, about 300 km from here, as a row between two groups over a piece of land abutting a place of worship escalated.

The situation was tense but under control, a police official said.

People belonging to one community tethered animals in the disputed area, and people from the other community raised objections.

A heated argument ensued, and clashes erupted. As a mob rushed to attack one Gani Mian, he opened fire from his licensed gun, killing three people and injuring six others.

Two people died on the spot, while the third succumbed to his injuries at Kurnool hospital.

The injured were admitted to Kurnool and Nandyal hospitals.

Following the incident, tension spread in the village and neighbouring areas, with mobs targeting houses and shops of a particular community.

A place of worship was also set afire.

The mob even attacked policemen, leaving one official injured.

The police later brought the situation under control and launched a hunt for the man who opened fire.