Karimnagar DSP J. Rama Rao said that Balwinder Singh, a software engineer working with a reputed IT company in Bengaluru succumbed to bullet injury in a local hospital in the morning.

A youth went berserk, attacked civilians and police constables with a sword (talwar) in Karimnagar town on Tuesday. The police overpowered Balwinder Singh (24) by opening fire on him, but the youth succumbed to bullet injuries in the hospital here.

Karimnagar DSP J. Rama Rao said that Balwinder Singh, a software engineer working with a reputed IT company in Bengaluru succumbed to bullet injury in a local hospital in the morning.

Balwinder was dawing a salary of Rs.18 lakh per annum, but was depressed after his unsuccessful attempt at civil services examinations. He was also being treated for depression, the police said.

He had an heated argument with his parents - S. Avataar Singh and Sathvanth Kaur. In a fit of rage, he picked up a sword ‘talwar’ and attacked them causing serious injuries. He came out of the house screaming and attacked a parked car by damaging its wind shield etc. Later, he started chasing away the people by attacking them with sword causing injuries.

He went on a terrorising spree on the streets of Laxminagar by screaming at people showing the sword. On his way, he stopped an auto-rickshaw and attacked the driver Sriman Narayana causing injuries to his hands, when he tried to protect himself. Later, he attacked a constable M.M. Ali causing injuries.

At Kaman Crossroads, he went berserk by attacking more than 20 people with the sword and was planning to proceed towards RTC Bus station. At this juncture, police head constable Mallaiah and constable Vali tried to obstruct him. But, they were also attacked with sword.

When the situation went out of control, One Town Circle Inspector Vijayasaradhi rushed to the spot and opened fire and took him into custody and later shifted him to hospital for treatment. The injured civilians and constables were also being treated in the hospital. Officer on Special Duty L. Subbarayudu also rushed to the spot.

Succumbs to injury

Singh, who sustained a bullet injury when Mr. Vijayasaradhi opened fire to overpower him, was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. He sustained injury on his armpit and heavy bleeding is said to have resulted in his death, according to police sources.

The condition of at least four other persons is said to be serious as there were deep wounds. Others are recuperating in the hospital.

As the news spread like wildfire, several members of the Sikh community rushed to the hospital and protested the police action. Sensing trouble, police forces were rushed to avoid any untoward incident.