Police massacre: Verdict tomorrow

TUMKUR: The future of nineteen accused involved in the massacre of six policemen and a civilian in Venkatammanahalli village of Pavagada taluk on February 10, 2005, will be decided when the second additional district court here will pronounce its judgment on Saturday.

Following the death of self-proclaimed Maoist naxal leader Saketh Rajan alias Prem who was shot dead by the Karnataka Anti naxal Squad police on February 6, 2005, hundreds of Maoist Naxalites, in retaliation, attacked the KSRP camp at Venkatammanahalli village on February 10 midnight, resulting in the death of six KSRP personnel and a civilian.

Hand grenades and arms were used by the naxalites in the operation. Maoist naxalites claimed responsibility for the incident, dubbing it as their revenge for the killing of Saketh Rajan.

About 140 persons, including the general public and police, deposed before the court as witnesses to the incident.

The Tirumani police have filed the cases and submitted a chargesheet.

In fact, Pavagada taluk which shares its border with Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh, was prone to naxalite activities and was a safe heaven for them.

The naxalites used to commit crimes in AP and take shelter in villages of Pavagada taluk.

After the gruesome massacre, no such activities have recurred in the region.

Police have tightened security, including installing metal detectors, at the premises of the court complex.

SP T R Suresh told Express that the police were prepared for any eventuality after the verdict was pronounced.

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