Jagan Mohan Reddy Attacked With Sharp Object at Visakhapatnam Airport, YSRCP Suspects 'Conspiracy'

Visakhapatnam, October 25: YSR Congress Party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy was on Thursday attacked by a man identified as a staffer at the Vizag Airport when he was going to Hyderabad. According to reports, Reddy was stabbed with a sharp object on his left arm by the attacker and has suffered an injury. According to initial reports, police feel it looks like a premeditated attack as it happened at an airport, which is a high-security area. The YSRCP is suspecting conspiracy and has blamed the Andhra Pradesh government, calling it a "major security lapse".

Reddy, after reaching Hyderabad, issued a statement saying he was safe. "To everyone worried about my safety - I’d like to inform you that I am safe. God's grace and the love, concern & blessings of the people of Andhra Pradesh will protect me. Such cowardice acts will not dissuade me but only strengthen my resolve to work for the people of my state," he tweeted.

In its statement, the Andhra government said that the attacker had approached Jagan for a selfie. "Opposition leader Jagan Mohan Reddy was attacked at Visakhapatnam airport today. The attacker has been identified as a worker at the airport. He approached Reddy asking him for a selfie and attacked him. He has been taken into custody and inquiry is underway," Andhra Home Minister NC Rajappa said.

The attacker has been taken into custody and was being questioned by the police. The motive of the attack is not known yet. The police said, "The attacker has been identified as Srinu who is working as a waiter at the airport lounge. He is from East Godavari district."

A political angle is also being probed with Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections due in 2019. Reddy was rushed to a hospital and was given immediate medical aid.

Video of Attacker Being Arrested from Vizag Airport

The Ministry of Aviation has ordered a thorough probe into the incident. "Shocked by the attack on Mr Jagan Reddy. Have asked all agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly, including the CISF. Have asked the secretary, civil aviation, to fix responsibility. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack, we will punish the guilty. Investigations are underway, started immediately," Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted.

Reddy had earlier last month crossed the 3000-km milestone in his 'Praja Sankalpa Paadayatra' (foot march) traversing the length and breadth of Andhra Pradesh as he entered the Vizianagaram district. 'Special Category Status Lifeline of Andhra Pradesh', Says YSR Congress Party President Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Reddy, also the leader of opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, had launched his walkathon on November 6 last year from his native Kadapa district and so far has covered 116 assembly constituencies in 11 districts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2018 01:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).