Waipet sarpanch among 13 arrested for ‘assault’ on police personnel on duty
Thirteen additional villagers, including a sarpanch, have been arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers during a ganja smuggling investigation in Adilabad district. The total number of arrests in the case has reached 20.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in rural areas when conducting anti-narcotics operations and the resulting legal consequences for local community leaders.
Thirteen more villagers of Waipet in Sirikonda mandal of Adilabad district, including the village sarpanch, were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the alleged attack on police personnel on duty, taking the total number of arrests to 20.
Five police personnel, including Ichoda Circle Inspector Ch. Ramesh, were injured when a group of villagers allegedly attacked them while they were investigating a ganja smuggling case at Waipet on October 10, police said.
The villagers allegedly pelted stones at the police, damaged their vehicle and a mobile phone, and attacked them with sticks.
They also allegedly confined the personnel at the village sarpanch’s house for some time and snatched another mobile phone and a CD file belonging to the police.
Those arrested include 38-year-old village sarpanch Chikram Ramu and 38-year-old former MPTC member Pendur Maruthi.
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