Murder Attempt on CM Jagan: Reports

Vijayawada, April 14, 2024 - In a shocking incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during his ongoing 'Memanta Siddham' bus yatra on Saturday evening.

The attack took place around 8:10 pm when CM Jagan's bus reached the Ajit Singh Nagar area of Vijayawada. While greeting supporters from the bus, a sharp object, suspected to be a stone or pellet, struck him on the left eyebrow, causing a deep wound.YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was injured on his forehead while Vijayawada-West legislator Vellampalli Srinivas, who was standing next to CM Jagan was also hurt in the left eye.

"The object hit him at high speed and the impact was severe. Luckily, he turned slightly to greet the crowd, or it could have struck him directly on the face," said Velampally Srinivas, who was also injured in the attack.

The impact caused a deep gash above CM Jagan's left eye, and blood began to flow profusely. Vijayawada MP Keshineni Nani, who was present at the scene, said he clearly heard a 'thud' sound when the object hit the Chief Minister, indicating it may have been fired from an air gun.

"The speed and sharpness of the object suggest it could have been an air gun pellet or a cater ball. We are investigating all possibilities," said Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kanti Rana Tata.

The Chief Minister immediately clutched his wounded eyebrow, but he did not flinch or lose his composure. Flanked by his security detail, he was quickly provided first aid on the bus before continuing the journey to the scheduled night halt at Kesarapalli.

"CM Jagan showed immense courage and resolve. Even with a serious injury, he refused to be deterred and greeted the people from the bus before proceeding to the hospital," said Nani.

Medical Attention

At the Vijayawada Government Hospital, doctors examined CM Jagan's injury and administered stitches to close the deep wound on his eyebrow. "The injury is severe, but not life-threatening. We have advised him to be cautious for the next few days to avoid any complications," said the hospital superintendent.

What part of the head is bad to hit?

"The most dangerous place to hit your head is on either side of your head, just above your ears. The skull is thinnest there, and there's an artery that can burst and cause direct bleeding in the brain. It was a lucky escape as CM Jagan turned to greet the section of the crowd on the other side when the object hit him averting a major injury.

Accompanying the Chief Minister was his wife, YS Bharati, who reached the hospital as soon as she learned of the attack. CM Jagan also had the support of several YSRCP leaders, including MPs, MLAs and MLCs.

Investigation into the murder attempt

The police have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, which they have described as a "murder attempt." CCTV footage from the area is being analyzed, and special teams have been formed to identify the culprits.

"We are examining all angles. The electricity supply was deliberately cut off, suggesting a pre-planned attack. We will leave no stone unturned to find the miscreants behind this," said Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kanti Rana Tata.

It is widely believed that the attack was orchestrated by the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its allies, who are unable to stomach CM Jagan's growing popularity. The opposition allies are unable to accept CM Jagan's growing popularity and his party's dominance in the state.

Despite the injury, an undeterred CM Jagan resumed his bus yatra the next day, vowing to continue his outreach to the people of Andhra Pradesh. The state government has also announced that the schedule for the remainder of the yatra will be announced on Sunday.

The attempted assassination has sent shockwaves across the state, with political parties and civil society groups condemning the attack. The incident has also highlighted the heightened political tensions in Andhra Pradesh as the state prepares for the upcoming assembly elections.