Lakshmipati, reporter of Andhra Jyoti daily, went to his native place Kodimyal yesterday where he entered into an altercation with a tailor over a petty issue last night. On a complaint lodged by the tailor, Kodimyal Sub-Inspector of Police Venugopal took the reporter into custody and allegedly assaulted him. Later, he took the reporter, two scribes of other newspapers and an MPTC member in a jeep to Malyal from where the Kodimyal police station was functioning.

Enroute, Lakshmipati complained of chest pain and pleaded with the SI to provide water. The police officer ignored his pleas initially. As his condition deteriorated, the SI gave him water. Meanwhile, the vehicle reached the police station where the reporter collapsed. He was rushedto a private doctor who declared him dead.

Later, police took the body to a private hospital at Jagtial for reexamination, according to the victim's brother Maruti. The body was later shifted to Jagtial government hospital for autopsy.

Meanwhile, journalists from different parts of the district rushed to Jagtial and prevented the doctors from conducting post-mortem demanding that the SI be placed under suspension immediately. They further demanded that a criminal case be booked against Venugopal and Rs 5 lakh exgratia paid to the bereaved family. Leaders of all political parties too joined the journalists in the protest.

In a related development, a complete bandh was observed in the town on a call given by Telugu Desam, Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress parties. MLA T Jeevan Reddy, former MP L Ramana and several other leaders led the agitation.

District Collector Debabratha Kanta, who rushed to the spot held discussions inconclusively with the journalist union leaders.

Jeevan Reddy and thecollector were engaged in a verbal duel when the former demanded the suspension of the SI. Stating that he has no powers to suspend the SI, the collector asked the MLA not to ``politicise'' the issue. This led to a heated argument between the two. The collector left the place without giving any assurance.