NEW DELHI: A local cricket match in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, turned tragic after an umpire was fatally stabbed following a dispute over a run-out decision, according to reports.
The victim, Dola Ajith Babu, was officiating the match alongside his friend Budumuri Chiranjeevi when an argument broke out between players from two teams over a run-out call on Sunday evening.
According to police, the umpires had initially intervened and defused the on-field dispute. However, a spectator identified as Kanta Kishore allegedly became agitated and began verbally abusing both players and officials.
“Ajith Babu and Chiranjeevi intervened and settled the issue on the field. But the accused grew angry and started abusing them,” said Circle Inspector Malleswara Rao.
After the match concluded, Ajith Babu, Chiranjeevi and a few others moved to a nearby location. It was there that tensions flared again.
“As soon as they reached the spot, another argument broke out. Kishore suddenly pulled out a knife and attacked the two umpires,” Rao said.
Ajith Babu was stabbed in the chest and collapsed on the spot. He was rushed for medical treatment but was declared dead by doctors. Chiranjeevi also sustained injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment.
Ajith’s father, Dola Appala Raju, has filed a murder complaint against the accused.
Family members alleged that the attacker, a resident of a nearby colony, was under the influence of alcohol at the time. They further claimed that although the dispute over a single run had been resolved earlier with the help of village elders, the accused later returned and carried out a premeditated attack.
According to Ajith’s brother, the assailant arrived at Padigadli junction armed with a knife, confronted the group, and suddenly stabbed Ajith during a heated exchange before fleeing the scene.
The victim was first taken to VIMS Hospital but was later shifted to another facility, where he was declared dead around 8:15 pm.
Police have registered a case and launched a search for the culprit, as investigations into the incident continue.
