ITI management dispute turns deadly in Bapatla district

A long-running dispute over the management of a private Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Bapatla district turned violent on Friday, leaving one person dead and another critically injured in a stabbing incident at Epurupalem village in Chirala mandal.

According to Bapatla District Superintendent of Police B. Umamaheswara Rao, the attack stemmed from an ongoing dispute over the management and administration of the institution, a matter that is already pending in court.

The incident took place at Sri Kommanaboina Brahmanaidu Memorial ITI in Epurupalem. According to the complaint filed by Kukka Beeraiah, 63, a member of the institution’s general body, the ITI was established in 2011 and was earlier headed by Sk. Abdul Sattar who served as a director and was also a member of the management company.

Police said disputes over the institution’s administration led Abdul Sattar to file a civil case against some members of the general body. The lawsuit was dismissed by the Ongo civil court in 2019. A new general body was subsequently established and Abdul Sattar was suspended as director in December 2025 due to allegations of financial embezzlement. Katakam Venkata Purna Seshaiah was later appointed as the director.

On Friday, member of the general assembly Sk. Hussain and Principal Seshaiah reportedly visited the institute and found Abdul Sattar sitting on the principal’s chair. An argument reportedly broke out over the administration of the institution and its financial records.

During the argument, Abdul Sattar allegedly stabbed Seshaiah in the abdomen. When Hussain tried to intervene, Abdul Sattar’s son, Sk. Jilani, allegedly restrained him, which allowed the accused to stab Hussain in the chest and abdomen, police said.

Both victims were taken to an area hospital in Chiral. Hussain succumbed to his injuries during treatment, while Seshaiah was taken to a private hospital and remains in a critical condition.

The police registered a case at Chirala Rural Police Station under Sections 103(1) and 109(1) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Both Abdul Sattar and Jilani have been taken into custody and further investigation is underway, the SP said.

Published – 12 Jun 2026 23:44 IST