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AP minister killed in landmine blast

Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister A Madhav Reddy was killed in a landmine blast triggered by Naxalites belonging to the outlawed People's War Group near Ghatkesar, about 40 km from Hyderabad, late on Tuesday night.

Top police officials said the minister died on the spot along with his driver Niranjan and personal security officer Rambhupal Reddy.

The minister's car was crossing a flyover when the landmine was detonated. Reddy was returning to the capital after participating in a campaign rally for the forthcoming civic polls.

His escort, comprising seven police personnel, following him in a Maruti Gypsy had a miraculous escape.

The police suspect the involvement of the dreaded Bhongir Dalam in the blast.

They have recovered a charger that was used to detonate the explosives, about 50 yards from the site of the explosion.

Madhav Reddy had survived two attempts on his life - both apparently executed by the PWG.

His security was stepped up recently after reports that his was the first name of the PWG hit-list. The Naxalites held Madhav Reddy responsible for deaths of several of their associates in encounters while he was the home minister.

Reddy was elected to the Andhra Pradesh assembly for the fourth time in a row from Bhongir constituency in the last elections.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Home Minister T Devender Goud, and other senior officials have rushed to the spot.

More reports in Telugu

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