New Delhi: In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage in the sporting circles, an umpire was brutally stabbed to death during a cricket match over a run-out call.
The horrific murder of the 21-year-old umpire happened during a dispute related to a run-out decision in a local tournament in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday night.
The deceased, Dola Ajith Babu, was killed while officiating the match alongside Budumuri Chiranjeevi. The shocking incident happened in the aftermath of a clash between the players over a run-out call. Local police stated that the two umpires managed to control the situation on the field, but the dispute escalated again after the match and turned deadly for Ajith Babu.
According to Circle Inspector Malleswara Rao, the confrontation during which the Babu was killed occurred after the on-field argument and the completion of the match.
Visakhapatnam Umpire’s fatal stabbing: The run-out call dispute
“Ajith Babu and Chiranjeevi intervened and settled the issue on the field,” Rao, as quoted by Hindustan Times, said. “However, one of the spectators, Kishore, became angry and started abusing the umpires and players.”
The accused, identified as a 26-year-old man, Kanta Kishore, was a spectator at the match, as per official information. After the match, Kishore allegedly called the umpires to a different spot to “settle the matter”. As soon as both umpires, along with others, arrived at the spot, another row broke out.
Rao claimed: “As soon as they reached the spot, another argument broke out,” he said. “Kishore suddenly pulled out a knife and attacked the two umpires.”
Ajith Babu collapsed immediately after the fatal blow to his chest. Chiranjeevi and another person who tried to step in to stop the fight were also injured.
Ensuring safety in local Cricket: Lessons from a tragic loss
The victim’s family alleged that Kishore had earlier hurled abuses at the players and the officials. Few housr later, he returned intoxicated before carrying out the horror attack.
Ajith Babu’s brother recounted the incident and said, “He started shouting and arguing. Suddenly, he took the knife out of his pocket and stabbed Dola Ajith in the chest.”
He added that the accused managed to flee the scene despite the efforts to catch him. “We tried to catch Kishore, but he ran away. We took Ajith Babu to VIMS Hospital, but no doctors were available, so we shifted him to Apollo. Around 8.15 PM, doctors declared him dead.”
The shocking on-field incident is yet another example of how cheap the value of life has become, raising concerns around the lack of security arrangements at local tournaments in Andhra Pradesh, where traditionally thousands gather to watch the action unfold. Authorities and organisers should take a big lesson from Ajith Babu’s unfortunate death and ensure proper medical facilities and security.