Alabama gun misfire: Telugu youth detained for Madhira student’s death

KHAMMAM: In a twist to the gun misfire incident that happened in Alabama, USA, where a student from Madhira of Khammam died due to the gunshot wound, another youth from the Telugu States was arrested by Montgomery police on Tuesday.

They have accused Ravi Teja (23) of manslaughter in connection with the death of Akhil Sai Mahankali (25). According to the authorities, both of them were friends, studying in Montgomery, Alabama. As reports claim, Ravi Teja is currently detained in Montgomery.

However, Ravi Teja's relatives released a statement saying that the incident was an accident and not a murder.

They said, "This is very unfortunate and it happened involuntarily and it’s a mistake of none. The store security guard bought a new gun and said he had emptied the cartridge but unfortunately there was one bullet left behind in the chamber. Ravi was under the impression that it’s empty and unfortunately and involuntarily did the action. All the videos and proofs have been submitted to the authorities. The owners are supporting both the families and they assured all kinds of help. Let’s pray Akhil’s soul rests in peace and both the families get moral support and strength. Ravi was the one who called 911 (emergency service in the US) and also he called up Akhil’s cousins to provide the information. At present, Ravi is under deep mental stress and trauma, so let’s condemn the rumours and help both the families and Ravi in whatever way possible."

Around 9:30 pm on Sunday, Akhil Sai was found in the 3200 block of Eastern Boulevard with a life-threatening gunshot wound. After being shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, Akhil was declared dead.