A local cricket game in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, ended in tragedy after an umpire was fatally stabbed following a heated disagreement over a run-out call. The incident, which unfolded on Sunday evening, escalated from an argument on the field into a violent attack after the match concluded.
Quick facts
- Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Incident: Umpire stabbed after dispute involving a run-out decision
- Victim: Dola Ajith Babu
- Other official: Budumuri Chiranjeevi, also injured
- Accused spectator: Kanta Kishore
- Aftermath: Ajith Babu taken to hospital; declared dead around 8:15 pm
- Complaint: Murder case lodged by Ajith Babu’s father, Dola Appala Raju
As per police statements, Dola Ajith Babu and his friend Budumuri Chiranjeevi were serving as officials at the local ground when the trouble began. An argument erupted between players from two sides over a run-out decision, and both umpires stepped in to try and settle the dispute.
For a moment, the situation appeared to cool, but a spectator—identified as Kanta Kishore—grew furious. Police said Kishore began abusing the officials and players, turning the disagreement into a more volatile confrontation.
Escalation after the match
After the game ended, Ajith Babu, Chiranjeevi, and a few friends reportedly went to a nearby spot. Rao said that as soon as they arrived, another argument flared up, and Kishore allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked the two umpires.
Ajith Babu was stabbed and collapsed at the scene. He was rushed for treatment, but despite attempts to get him medical care, doctors declared him dead. Chiranjeevi also suffered injuries during the attack.
Ajith Babu’s father, Dola Appala Raju, has filed a murder complaint against Kanta Kishore. Meanwhile, Ajith’s brother, who was not named in the account, claimed the accused was intoxicated at the time and alleged the original dispute over a single run had already been resolved earlier through the intervention of village elders.
The brother further alleged that the matter was settled at the ground and later, after the evening, Kishore carried out the attack with a knife. He said Kishore arrived at the Padigadli junction, called out to Chiranjeevi, and then escalated into shouting and stabbing Ajith Babu in the chest.
He added that they tried to catch Kishore, but he fled. According to the brother, Ajith Babu was first taken to VIMS Hospital, but when doctors were not available there, he was moved to Apollo. He stated that around 8:15 pm, doctors declared Ajith Babu dead.
