Nalgonda encounter: AP police gear up to tackle eventuality

Andhra Pradesh police are taking all measures to prevent recurrence of incidents like Nalgonda encounter in Telangana today in which two gangsters, suspected to be members of banned SIMI, were killed in gunfight with police.
Andhra Pradesh DGP Jasti Venkata Ramudu has directed all district superintendents of police, besides commissioners of police of Vijayawada and Vishapkapatnam, to be on alert by taking all security measures to avert untoward incidents.
"As per the latest information, though the offenders (of Nalgonda encounter in Telangana) were not clearly identified so far, it is strongly suspected that they belonged to the banned Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)," the DGP said in a release.

There is every likelihood that their associates might have taken shelter in different parts of Andhra Pradesh and may resort to similar offences, hence the AP police chief has asked all the unit officers to follow proper drill and precautions while conducting vehicle checking and frisking, it said.
The officers and staff checking vehicles were asked to put on bullet-proof jackets.
"Since the terrorists and criminal gangs are carrying fire arms, proper armed contingents may be deployed for search duties, vehicle checking and frisking," the release said.

Quick Reaction Teams may be positioned to meet contingencies and police were asked to revisit security of all vulnerable installations, VIPs and places of congregation, religious institutions and places frequently visited by foreigners, the release added.

The encounter occurred in the morning when the duo, suspected to be members of a robbery gang in Uttar Pradesh who were on the run after killing two policemen and injuring three others on April 2 at Suryapet, were engaged by police near Janakipuram under Mothkur Police station limits of Nalgonda district.
A constable was killed while two others - one inspector and one sub-inspector - were injured when the duo while fleeing on a bike opened indiscriminate fire at the police team chasing them. They were killed in retaliatory firing by police.