INDIANS FIGHT OVER BUSINESS

By Fulman Mukobeko

LUSAKA businessman Vinod Yaddula has written to the Inspector General of Police requesting the arrest of Panyam Vikram Deva Reddy as soon as he jets into the country for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy to murder him.

In a letter dated May 15, 2024 which was addressed to the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and copied to the Inspector General of Police and Immigration Department Director General, Mr Yaddula requested the arrest of Mr. Vikram for hiring hitmen to eliminate him.

He said two Namibians were on April 28, 2024, arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder after their intentions were foiled, leading to their arrest.

 “On 20th February, 2024, we wrote to your office requesting to arrest Mr. Vikram for the charges of conspiracy to murder me, the case which was documented at Police Headquarters. We are glad with the response and cooperation you showed in the letter dated 11th March, 2024. During the process of police investigations, Mr. Vikram hired another team of assassins from Namibia and South Africa to eliminate me, namely Xeeta Victor who is directly connected to Vikram and apparently subcontracted two Namibian nationals namely Evane Darrel Van Wyk and his partner,” reads the letter in part.

He further alleged that on April 28, 2024, Vikram through Victor, sent two Namibians to eliminate him at his business in 10 Miles, Mungule Village of Chibombo District in Central Province.

“On 28th April, 2024, Vikram, through Victor, sent the two Namibians to eliminate me at my business place in 10 Miles, Mungule village of Chibombo District in Central Province. Sharp reaction from my security team and myself led to the arrest of the two suspects by Force Headquarters Crime 1 officer. The officer captured the two suspects, confiscated their phones and charged them with conspiracy to murder. This is the third attempt Mr. Vikram laid on my life and as an investor who is willing to contribute to the economic emancipation of the country, I am fearing to carry out my duties freely in the country,” reads the letter in part which is signed by Mr. Yaddula.

He charged that while Mr. Vikram was comfortably staying in India where he allegedly was engaged in criminal activities, was frustrating (Mr. Yaddula’s) investment in Zambia.

“Vikram is using the local police to frustrate Riotinto and Cobalt Metals (because of the cordial business relationship I enjoy with them) whom he has sued using the influence of his money. Vikram, using my wife Anusha, has inflicted a face case against myself, Riotinto mining giant and Cobalt Metals which is detrimental to the progress of the country,” reads the letter.