Gaddar shot at
Rajagopal Vakulabharanam (RVAKULAB@macc.wisc.edu)
Mon, 07 Apr 97 17:40 CST
Gaddar shot at, injured critically
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Date: 07-04-1997 :: Pg: 06 :: Col: d
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>From Our Staff Reporter ( The Hindu)
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HYDERABAD, April 6.
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Noted singer of revolutionary ballads, Gaddar, was shot at by
unidentified persons at his residence in the Venkatapuram area of
Secunderabad on Sunday evening.
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According to eye witnesses, the assailants came in a white
Ambassador car, forced their entry into the house and opened fire
on Gaddar in front of his family members. Gaddar was rushed to a
private nursing home in Lothukunta. He was later admitted in a
critical condition in Gandhi hospital, where he is undergoing
operation.
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A tense situation prevailed in Gandhi hospital with hundreds of
Gaddar's supporters gathering in front of the casualty ward and
the police in good numbers preventing the entry of people into
the ward. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ramaswamy, held a
meeting in the hospital premises. According to hospital sources,
Gaddar suffered multiple abdominal perforation. However, his
condition is stated to be out of danger. He has been shifted to
the operation theatre and is likely to be shifted to NIMS.
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The police have sounded a red alert. They have certain clues
about the car in which the assailants came. According to eye
witnesses, Gaddar was shot at from close quarters and wounded on
the left and right shoulders, stomach and thigh.
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In all, five persons were involved in the attack. One person, who
claimed he was being harassed by the police, called on Gaddar.
While the latter was speaking to him, three others barged in and
fired four rounds at Gaddar. They made their getaway in the car
which was parked nearby, with a driver sitting inside.
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The attackers were in the age group of 22-23 years and spoke
Telugu. Gaddar's wife, Vimala, was also an eyewitness. His sons
and daughters rushed him to hospital.
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Gaddar, a former bank employee, had quit his job to support the
extremist movement. He went underground for some time as he was
associated with Jana Natya Mandali, a front organisation of
People's War Group. However, Vittal Rao, as he was known before
assuming the name of Gaddar, joined the mainstream a few years
ago.