Tension gripped southern India’s Andhra Pradesh, after Sheikh Rasheed, a 27-year-old member of the youth wing of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), was brutally killed.

The incident took place in Vinukonda in Palnadu district on July 17.

Visuals showed Vinukonda YSRCP youth wing leader Rashid was viciously attacked with a knife, resulting in severe injuries to both his hands and a fatal neck wound and then was beaten to death.

According to reports, the gruesome incident occurred at the crowded Mandlamudi Bus Stand Center around 8:30 PM.

According to local police, Rasheed was attacked by Sheikh Jilani, who wielded a machete, severing both of Rasheed’s hands and slitting his throat. The attack, which was captured on video, left the community in shock.

Police quickly arrived at the scene and transported Rasheed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The YSRCP condemned the act, describing Jilani as a “TDP goon” who had transformed into “an anthropomorphic monster.” The party claimed Rasheed was viciously attacked due to political rivalry.

However, Palnadu district Superintendent of Police (SP) Kanchi Srinivasa Rao, who took office only two days prior, ruled out political motives, stating that the murder was due to personal rivalry between the two men. A thorough investigation has been launched, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend Jilani. To prevent further violence, police have imposed Section 144, restricting gatherings and movement in the area.

Expressing outrage, YSRCP chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the murder and questioned the state’s law and order situation. He accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of resorting to violence to oppress the YSRCP and called for a central government inquiry into the rising violence since the new government took power. Jagan also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to address the deteriorating law and order in Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy assured his party members of full support and expressed his deepest condolences to Rasheed’s family. The incident has heightened political tensions in the region, with both parties trading accusations amid a backdrop of violence and unrest.