Rise in knife-related crimes raises concern in Visakhapatnam

A spate of knife-related murders in Visakhapatnam in recent months has raised concerns over public safety, with the police attributing many of the incidents to personal rivalries, longstanding feuds, and impulsive acts of violence.

The latest incident involved Gangadhar (26), a resident of Amarnagar, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a knife attack. According to the police, an argument between Gangadhar and Shivakumar of Jnanapuram, with whom he had a longstanding rivalry, escalated into a violent confrontation on Wednesday night. Both allegedly attacked each other with knives, leaving Gangadhar critically injured. He later died while undergoing treatment.

Earlier this month, on July 3, YouTuber Manikantha (26) died following an altercation in Sanjeevayya Colony. The police said he encountered Surendra, alias Kanna, with whom he had previous differences. The argument allegedly turned violent, and Manikantha collapsed after the assault. A case has been registered.

In another incident earlier this year, Ajith (23), a degree student, was allegedly stabbed to death near the BRTS Road at Pedagadili. The police said the attack stemmed from a dispute over a single run during a local cricket match, which later escalated into a personal feud.

Investigators said several recent cases had followed a similar pattern, with seemingly minor disputes escalating into fatal attacks, some of them occurring in busy public places.

Police sources attributed the increase in such crimes to alcohol consumption, cannabis abuse, cricket betting, and disputes arising from social media interactions. Official data indicate that nearly 30% of attempted murder cases are triggered by verbal altercations and offences committed in the heat of the moment.

Officials have also expressed concern over the involvement of some young people in criminal activities under the influence of habitual offenders. The police have stepped up surveillance of known offenders to prevent retaliatory attacks and curb violent crime.