Hyderabad: Telangana High Court Clears Two Police Officers in 2003 Encounter Death Case
The Telangana High Court has exonerated two police officers involved in the death of a suspect during an alleged encounter in 2003, affirming a previous decision by a sessions court. Justice Juvvadi Sridevi stated that there was insufficient credible evidence to support murder charges, noting, “On the contrary, the material indicates the incident occurred in circumstances of private defense while the officers were discharging their official duties.”
The court dismissed a petition from a non-governmental organization challenging the officers’ exoneration and confirmed the dropping of murder charges against them. The incident occurred in Zaheerabad, approximately 120 kilometers from Hyderabad, where the suspect reportedly stabbed one of the officers, seized his rifle, and attempted to fire at the police. Another police officer, a sub-inspector, responded by shooting the suspect, resulting in his immediate death.
In its ruling, the High Court emphasized that claims of police excess should be scrutinized carefully, but reaffirmed that the facts of this case did not substantiate allegations of murder.
