HINDUPUR, Andhra Pradesh, February 6, 2026 — A high-profile search for one of the region’s most wanted criminals ended in gunfire early Friday morning. Nagendra, a notorious “rowdy sheeter” with over 90 criminal cases across two states, was shot and apprehended by the Sri Sathya Sai district police following an encounter in the Errakonda forest area.
The Encounter: Self-Defense in the Errakonda Wilds
The operation, led by Circle Inspector (CI) Anjaneyulu, was initiated based on specific intelligence tracking Nagendra’s movements in the remote forest outskirts of Hindupur. According to police reports, the situation escalated when Nagendra attempted to evade arrest.
Authorities state that Nagendra launched a violent assault with a knife, injuring CI Anjaneyulu and a supporting constable. In response, CI Anjaneyulu discharged his service weapon in self-defense, striking the suspect in the thigh.
“The accused was desperate to escape and did not hesitate to attack uniformed officers. Our team acted with necessary force to neutralize the immediate threat while ensuring the suspect was taken alive for trial,” a senior district official told PingTV.
A Violent Legacy: The 2024 Chilamathur Case
Nagendra has long been a focal point for law enforcement in both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Most notably, he was the primary absconding accused in the October 2024 gang-rape that occurred at an under-construction paper mill in Nallabommanipalli.
The case, which involved a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law as victims, sparked statewide outrage and significant political pressure within the Hindupur Assembly constituency, represented by MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna. While five other suspects, including minors, were detained shortly after the 2024 incident, Nagendra had remained at large for over a year.
Current Status and Investigation
Following the encounter, Nagendra was transported under heavy guard to a local government hospital. Medical staff report that he is in stable condition and is responding to treatment for the gunshot wound.
Case Overview:
-
Criminal Record: 90+ cases (robbery, assault, sexual violence).
-
Jurisdiction: Active history in both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
-
Officer Condition: CI Anjaneyulu and the constable sustained minor injuries; both are recovering.
The Sri Sathya Sai district police have initiated a mandatory formal inquiry into the encounter to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Lates News
BREAKING: Bangladesh Refuse to Travel to India for 2026 T20 World Cup Citing Security Concerns
BJP Leader Akshay Garg Hacked to Death in Chhattisgarh’s Korba; Search On for Assailants
