2 criminals, 2 cops killed in Telangana shootout

Telangana police gunned down two armed assailants, who killed two of their colleagues at Suryapet in Nalgonda two days ago, but lost two more policemen in a fierce exchange of fire on Nalgonda district outskirts early on Saturday.

Two Inspectors sustained injuries in the gun battle that started around 7 a.m. at Janakipuram near Mothkuru mandal of Nalgonda district after a dramatic chase. The injured Inspectors were rushed to Hyderabad. Sub-Inspector Siddaiah and constable Nagaraju succumbed to bullet wounds suffered in the shootout.

Entire Telangana police were on high alert after a constable and a Home Guard were shot dead at Suryapet bus-stand after Wednesday midnight. The Suryapet Inspector and another HG were critically injured in that firing.

The killers had taken away the Carbine of one of the slain policemen. Police launched one of the biggest manhunts of recent times organising vehicle checks and frisking all over the State.

While they had no clue about movements of the killers on Friday, the special police parties on the look-out for the duo learnt that the accused took away the bike from a villager at gunpoint at Janakipuram around 5 a.m.

Scores of police teams rushed to the village when the accused were near the bushes.

Despite calls to surrender, the accused opened fire on policemen, resulting in exchange of fire.

The gun battle continued for 30 minutes. Finally, the criminals were shot dead but constable Nagaraju lost his life in the firing.

Atmakuru SI Siddaiah sustained bullet wounds along with Inspectors Balanagi Reddy and Gangaram. The Mr. Siddaiah has been critically injured and was rushed to a private hospital here.